2009 Hummer H3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Hummer H3 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hummer H3 (239 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hummer H3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hummer H3 weights approximately 609 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 Hummer H3 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 Hummer H3 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hummer H3. (327 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hummer H3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hummer H3 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Hummer | Pontiac |
| Model | H3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 327 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2194 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5410 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3420 mm | 2750 mm |
