1998 Honda Prelude vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Honda Prelude 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 356 kg more than 1998 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Prelude. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Prelude | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Prelude | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
