2002 Opel Zafira vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Opel Zafira is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2002 Opel Zafira. (102 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 215 kg more than 2002 Opel Zafira. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Opel Zafira, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Zafira. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Zafira. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 Opel Zafira has manual transmission. 2002 Opel Zafira will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Opel Zafira | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Zafira | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 79 L |
