2009 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 31 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 102 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 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 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Honda | Pontiac |
Model | Civic | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1339 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Type | boxer | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 94 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |