1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2010 Opel Meriva is newer by 38 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 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2010 Opel Meriva. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2010 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 446 kg more than 2010 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Opel Meriva, 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 (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 437 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Opel Meriva. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | Firebird | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7456 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 168 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 53 L |
