1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (219 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 183 kg more than 1988 Jaguar XJS.
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 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Jaguar XJS. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1988 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1988 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Thunderbird | XJS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 87 L |
