1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 123 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
