1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Jeep Compass
To start off, 2012 Jeep Compass is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jeep Compass (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Compass should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 156 kg more than 2012 Jeep Compass.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Compass, 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Jeep Compass. (223 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Jeep Compass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Jeep Compass | |
| Make | Pontiac | Jeep |
| Model | Firebird | Compass |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1449 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4448 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1814 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1651 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 51 L |
