2002 Honda NSX vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Honda NSX is newer by 1 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2002 Honda NSX. (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 118 kg more than 2002 Honda NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda NSX. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2002 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 2002 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda NSX | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
