2008 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 425 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
Because 1981 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 1981 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3790 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 110 HP |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 79 L |
