1974 Opel Ascona vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Opel Ascona. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 452 kg more than 1974 Opel Ascona. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Ascona. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Opel Ascona | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Ascona | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1194 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
