1978 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1980 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1980 Honda Ballade is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP) has 78 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 810 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Firebird | 1980 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Pontiac | Honda |
| Model | Firebird | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2330 mm |
