2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 31 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (211 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 95 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Dakota | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 76 L |
