1996 Jaguar XK vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK is newer by 15 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, 1996 Jaguar XK (370 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK weights approximately 98 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, 1996 Jaguar XK (535 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 1996 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Jaguar XK | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
Model | XK | Firebird |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3996 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 370 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 535 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 79 L |