2009 Opel Meriva vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Opel Meriva is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2009 Opel Meriva. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 366 kg more than 2009 Opel Meriva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Opel Meriva, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Opel Meriva. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Opel Meriva | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Meriva | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1364 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 76 L |
