1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Jeep Cherokee is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jeep Cherokee (114 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Cherokee 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, 1997 Jeep Cherokee (283 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Cherokee | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2750 mm |
