1986 Opel Senator vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Opel Senator is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1986 Opel Senator. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 276 kg more than 1986 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Senator. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Opel Senator | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Senator | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
