1985 Opel Senator vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Senator would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1985 Opel Senator. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 202 kg more than 1985 Opel Senator. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Senator. (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Opel Senator | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Senator | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
