2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2011 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 257 kg more than 2011 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic. 2011 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Pontiac | Honda |
| Model | Firebird | Civic |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5698 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1541 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2700 mm |
