1986 Suzuki Jimny vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Suzuki Jimny is newer by 8 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 895 kg more than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Suzuki Jimny 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, 1986 Suzuki Jimny 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 (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Jimny. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Jimny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Suzuki Jimny | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Suzuki | Pontiac |
| Model | Jimny | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 538 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2750 mm |
