2005 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1975 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 172 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1975 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | New Beetle | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
