2009 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 31 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 722 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Touareg. (265 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Touareg | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3597 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
