1997 Honda NSX vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1988 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, 1997 Honda NSX (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75.9 mm |
| 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 | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
