1971 Opel Rekord vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 599 kg more than 1971 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Opel Rekord | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Rekord | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
