2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (198 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 473 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1978 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
