1994 Suzuki Vitara vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 16 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 1994 Suzuki Vitara. (94 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 425 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1994 Suzuki Vitara 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Suzuki Vitara | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Suzuki | Pontiac |
| Model | Vitara | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1045 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2750 mm |
