1996 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Firebird (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic.
Because 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1986 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1986 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
