1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XK is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Jaguar XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 1998 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Thunderbird | XK |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3040 mm |
