2005 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1992 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Pontiac Firebird (140 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 6 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 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 1992 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1992 Pontiac Firebird (244 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm). This means 1992 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Jetta | 1992 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Jetta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
