1972 Opel Admiral vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Admiral. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Admiral would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1972 Opel Admiral. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Admiral. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 110 kg more than 1972 Opel Admiral. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Admiral. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Admiral.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Opel Admiral | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Admiral | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2784 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2750 mm |
