1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1982 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1982 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 702 kg more than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Vauxhall 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1982 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Vauxhall |
| Model | Firebird | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2520 mm |
