1997 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1980 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Suzuki Jimny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Suzuki Jimny would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 723 kg more than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Suzuki Jimny is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Suzuki Jimny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 1980 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Firebird | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2040 mm |
