2009 Honda Civic vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 9 kg more than 1972 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
