1985 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 143 kg more than 2011 Honda Civic.
Because 1985 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 1985 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Pontiac | Honda |
| Model | Firebird | Civic |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
