1993 Opel Calibra vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1993 Opel Calibra is newer by 14 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1993 Opel Calibra. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1993 Opel Calibra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 410 kg more than 1993 Opel Calibra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Opel Calibra, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Opel Calibra. (227 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Opel Calibra. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1993 Opel Calibra has manual transmission. 1993 Opel Calibra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1993 Opel Calibra | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Opel | Pontiac |
Model | Calibra | Firebird |
Year Released | 1993 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2498 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 227 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1625 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |