1978 Opel Kadett vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett 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 84 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 572 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. 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 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Kadett | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Kadett | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 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 |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 60 L |
