1960 Jaguar XK vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Jaguar XK (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 132 kg more than 1960 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, 1960 Jaguar XK (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1960 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Jaguar XK | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 79 L |
