1958 Jaguar MK VIII vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Jaguar MK VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Jaguar MK VIII would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Jaguar MK VIII (208 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Jaguar MK VIII should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jaguar MK VIII weights approximately 223 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Jaguar MK VIII. (291 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Jaguar MK VIII.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jaguar MK VIII | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | MK VIII | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 79 L |
