2008 Jeep Cherokee vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Jeep Cherokee is newer by 30 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 52 more horse power than 2008 Jeep Cherokee. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 446 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2008 Jeep Cherokee 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, 2008 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Jeep Cherokee. (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Cherokee | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Cherokee | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2776 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2031 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2750 mm |
