1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (217 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 128 kg more than 1996 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, 1985 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
