1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Jaguar XJS is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 195 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Jaguar XJS. (432 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
