2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 50 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Firebird | Passat |
Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3783 cc | 1967 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 335 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1490 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |