2008 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 451 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Honda Civic | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Honda | Pontiac |
Model | Civic | Firebird |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1493 cc | 5012 cc |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |