1979 Opel Kadett vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (52 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 670 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Opel Kadett, 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (83 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Kadett | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Kadett | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 58 L |
