1995 Opel Astra vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Opel Astra 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 198 more horse power than 1995 Opel Astra. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 527 kg more than 1995 Opel Astra. 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, 1995 Opel Astra, 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 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Opel Astra. (103 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Opel Astra. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1995 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 1995 Opel Astra 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:
| 1995 Opel Astra | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Astra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1008 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
