2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1984 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 688 kg more than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Vauxhall 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Vauxhall Astra. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1984 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 1984 Vauxhall Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 1984 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Vauxhall |
| Model | Firebird | Astra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
