1971 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP) has 147 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (138 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 276 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic, 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (174 Nm). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Pontiac | Honda |
| Model | Firebird | Civic |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
