1997 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 126 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 547 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
