1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 22 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
Make | Pontiac | Opel |
Model | Firebird | Vectra |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2957 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 173 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 370 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4600 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2740 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |