2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 200 kg more than 2009 Dodge Caliber. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caliber | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2750 mm |
