1997 Honda Prelude vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (195 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 224 kg more than 1997 Honda Prelude.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Prelude. (211 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Prelude. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Honda Prelude | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Honda | Pontiac |
Model | Prelude | Firebird |
Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2155 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 211 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1381 kg | 1605 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 79 L |