1992 Jaguar XJS vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1992 Jaguar XJS is newer by 11 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Jaguar XJS (220 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 188 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, 1992 Jaguar XJS (377 Nm @ 3650 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1992 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Jaguar XJS | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3978 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3650 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| 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 | 1730 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 79 L |
