1984 Honda Civic vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1984 Honda Civic is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 796 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
