1993 Jaguar XJS vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1993 Jaguar XJS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,980 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Jaguar XJS (223 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 260 kg more than 1978 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, 1993 Jaguar XJS (377 Nm @ 3650 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1993 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Jaguar XJS | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJS | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3650 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1470 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 |
