1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2011 Jaguar XJ is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Jaguar XJ (271 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 191 kg more than 1981 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, 2011 Jaguar XJ (600 Nm) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm). This means 2011 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Pontiac | Jaguar |
| Model | Firebird | XJ |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 149 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1796 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 82 L |
