1996 Acura NSX vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Acura NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1996 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2580 mm |
