2004 Jaguar XK vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Jaguar XK is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Jaguar XK (294 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Jaguar XK weights approximately 209 kg more than 1978 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, 2004 Jaguar XK (411 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm). This means 2004 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Jaguar XK | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 294 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
