1976 Opel Commodore vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Opel Commodore is newer by 4 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 160 more horse power than 1976 Opel Commodore. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1976 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 391 kg more than 1976 Opel Commodore. 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Opel Commodore. (216 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Opel Commodore | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Commodore | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2783 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 64 L |
