1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Jaguar XJS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. (185 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 127 kg more than 1972 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Jaguar XJS. (432 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Jaguar XJS. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1985 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1985 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 76 L |
