1973 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 871 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. 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, 1973 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Honda Civic | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Honda | Pontiac |
Model | Civic | Firebird |
Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 60 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 103 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2750 mm |