1970 Opel Rekord vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1970 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 477 kg more than 1970 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Opel Rekord | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Rekord | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2750 mm |
