1998 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 would be higher. At 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 788 kg more than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 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, 1998 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Pontiac Firebird | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Firebird | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 3352 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1528 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 1940 mm |
