2002 Honda S-MX vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Honda S-MX 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2002 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 131 kg more than 2002 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S-MX | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | S-MX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
