1959 Jaguar MK II vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar MK II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar MK II would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar MK II. (120 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar MK II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 149 kg more than 1959 Jaguar MK II. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar MK II. (195 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar MK II. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1959 Jaguar MK II has manual transmission. 1959 Jaguar MK II will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar MK II | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | MK II | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2483 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
