2008 Jeep Patriot vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Jeep Patriot is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Jeep Patriot. (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 Jeep Patriot. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Patriot weights approximately 393 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 2008 Jeep Patriot is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Patriot 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Jeep Patriot. (224 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Jeep Patriot.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Patriot | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Patriot | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1978 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
