1987 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Honda Civic is newer by 9 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 696 kg more than 1987 Honda Civic. 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, 1987 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Honda Civic | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Honda | Pontiac |
Model | Civic | Firebird |
Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1590 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 130 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 143 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2750 mm |