2000 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Honda Civic is newer by 21 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2000 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2000 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 525 kg more than 2000 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2000 Honda Civic, 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Honda Civic | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1492 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
