1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Opel Signum
To start off, 2005 Opel Signum is newer by 24 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 21 more horse power than 2005 Opel Signum. (124 HP @ 3250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Signum weights approximately 68 kg more 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, 2005 Opel Signum, 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Signum. (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Signum. 2005 Opel Signum has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Pontiac | Opel |
| Model | Firebird | Signum |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
