2008 Opel Vectra vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Opel Vectra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Vectra (277 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Vectra weights approximately 71 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 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, 2008 Opel Vectra (355 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Vectra | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Vectra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.8 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1613 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |
