1998 Jaguar XK vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 15 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Jaguar XK. (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XK | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2750 mm |
