1998 Jaguar XK vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XK (445 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (296 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 185 kg more than 1998 Jaguar XK.
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, 1998 Jaguar XK (615 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XK | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 445 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 615 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1290 mm |
