1959 Jaguar XK 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 XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (251 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 152 kg more than 1959 Jaguar XK.
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 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar XK. (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar XK. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1959 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1959 Jaguar XK 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 XK | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
