1998 Honda S-MX vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 142 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S-MX | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | S-MX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
