2006 Opel Vectra vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Opel Vectra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 135 more horse power than 2006 Opel Vectra. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Vectra weights approximately 55 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2006 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Vectra. (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Vectra | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Vectra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
