2009 Jeep Commander vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
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 Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Jeep Commander. (215 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 2009 Jeep Commander.
Because 2009 Jeep Commander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. 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 (510 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (434 Nm). This means 2009 Jeep Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. 2009 Jeep Commander has automatic transmission and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Jeep Commander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Commander | 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Commander | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2750 mm |
