1971 Opel Kadett vs. 1982 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1982 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Pontiac Firebird (106 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1971 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 576 kg more than 1971 Opel Kadett. 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, 1982 Pontiac Firebird (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Kadett | 1982 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Kadett | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
