1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 122 kg more than 1974 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Jaguar XJS | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
Model | XJS | Firebird |
Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5344 cc | 5792 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 299 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 431 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |