2008 Honda Ridgeline vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Honda Ridgeline 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Ridgeline (247 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 290 kg more than 2008 Honda Ridgeline.
Because 2008 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Ridgeline 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, 2008 Honda Ridgeline (333 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Ridgeline | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Ridgeline | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |
