1997 Acura NSX vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Acura NSX is newer by 19 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, 1997 Acura NSX (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 226 kg more than 1997 Acura NSX.
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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Acura NSX | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Acura | Pontiac |
Model | NSX | Firebird |
Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2977 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 272 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 284 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2750 mm |