1998 Honda NSX vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 20 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda 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 1998 Honda 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 (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda NSX | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 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 | 4430 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
