1975 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1975 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 200 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra.
Because 1975 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 1975 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra, 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, 1975 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Astra. (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1975 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | Firebird | Astra |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2620 mm |
