2002 Jaguar XJR vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XJR is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XJR (390 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (302 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XJR should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar XJR weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 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 XJR (525 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XJR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 2002 Jaguar XJR has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Jaguar XJR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XJR | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XJR | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 54 L |
