1993 Opel Calibra vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Opel Calibra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Opel Calibra would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1993 Opel Calibra. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1993 Opel Calibra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 320 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 1996 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 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Opel Calibra. (227 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Opel Calibra. 1996 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. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Opel Calibra | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Calibra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 227 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| 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 | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
