1951 Jaguar C-Type vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Jaguar C-Type. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Jaguar C-Type would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Jaguar C-Type (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Jaguar C-Type should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 505 kg more than 1951 Jaguar C-Type.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Jaguar C-Type. (298 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Jaguar C-Type.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Jaguar C-Type | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | C-Type | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
