1978 Honda Prelude vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Prelude 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 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 706 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. 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, 1978 Honda Prelude, 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 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Honda Prelude | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Honda | Pontiac |
Model | Prelude | Firebird |
Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1750 cc | 6547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 285 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 421 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 104.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.3 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |