1973 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 224 kg more than 2011 Honda Civic.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Pontiac | Honda |
| Model | Firebird | Civic |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2700 mm |
