2006 Volkswagen Transporter vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Transporter is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Transporter. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Transporter. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 423 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Transporter. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Transporter, 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Transporter. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Transporter.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Transporter | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Transporter | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Van | 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 | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1162 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2000 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3410 mm | 2750 mm |
