1990 Honda NSX vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Honda NSX is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1990 Honda NSX. (270 HP @ 7300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 231 kg more than 1990 Honda NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda NSX. (285 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda NSX | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
