2008 Opel Astra vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 23 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 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 9 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Opel Astra (240 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Astra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1684 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 60 L |
