1971 Opel Rekord vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP) has 86 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 442 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Rekord | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2068 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 145 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 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 |
