2008 Opel Vectra vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Opel Vectra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Vectra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 61 kg more than 2008 Opel Vectra.
Because 1977 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 1977 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Vectra. (315 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Vectra | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Vectra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4880 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 |
