1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2000 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2000 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 19 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, both vehicles can yield 145 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 317 kg more than 2000 Vauxhall Astra.
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, 2000 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Vauxhall Astra. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2000 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Vauxhall |
| Model | Firebird | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
