1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 340 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
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, 2008 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 (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2008 Honda Civic | |
Make | Pontiac | Honda |
Model | Firebird | Civic |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 256 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 87.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1265 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 50 L |