2002 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 23 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1979 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, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XJ8 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJ8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 79 L |
