2009 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 270 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 1996 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 1996 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
