1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Opel Signum
To start off, 2001 Opel Signum is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Signum (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 43 kg more than 2001 Opel Signum.
Because 1972 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Opel Signum, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Signum. (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Signum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | Firebird | Signum |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 3173 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 52 L |
