2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 711 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1980 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 1980 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Volkswagen Golf | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
Model | Golf | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
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 | 114 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 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 | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |