1996 Jaguar XK vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK (370 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK weights approximately 166 kg more than 1985 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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 1996 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 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 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 535 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
