2005 Audi A3 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2005 Audi A3. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 175 kg more than 2005 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | A3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
