2009 Jeep Commander vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Jeep Commander 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Commander (358 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Commander should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 203 kg more than 2009 Jeep Commander.
Because 2009 Jeep Commander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Commander 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, 2009 Jeep Commander (527 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Commander | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Commander | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 358 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 527 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
