2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 260 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Golf | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1336 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
