2005 Opel Astra vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (96 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 94 kg more than 2005 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Opel Astra | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Astra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 61 L |
