1978 Opel Manta vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 535 kg more than 1978 Opel Manta. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Manta. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Manta | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Manta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
