1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
