1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar XK. (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 277 kg more than 1959 Jaguar XK. 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar XK. (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
