2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee (381 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 232 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Grand Cherokee (548 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 381 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 548 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1828 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
