1976 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 366 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | Firebird | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 52 L |
