1966 Jaguar 420G vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Jaguar 420G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Jaguar 420G would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Jaguar 420G (255 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Jaguar 420G should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Jaguar 420G weights approximately 153 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Jaguar 420G. (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Jaguar 420G. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1966 Jaguar 420G has manual transmission. 1966 Jaguar 420G 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:
| 1966 Jaguar 420G | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | 420G | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4235 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1778 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2750 mm |
