1959 Jeep CJ5 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jeep CJ5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jeep CJ5 would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Jeep CJ5. (135 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Jeep CJ5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 416 kg more than 1959 Jeep CJ5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Jeep CJ5 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, 1959 Jeep CJ5 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jeep CJ5. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jeep CJ5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jeep CJ5 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | CJ5 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3520 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2750 mm |
