2004 Opel Vectra vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2004 Opel Vectra. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 198 kg more than 2004 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Vectra. (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Opel Vectra | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Vectra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
