2004 Opel Astra vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Opel Astra is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2004 Opel Astra. (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 271 kg more than 2004 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Astra. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Opel Astra | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Opel | Pontiac |
Model | Astra | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 76 L |