1996 Opel Vectra vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 204 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Vectra | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Vectra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
