2005 Jaguar S-Type vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Jaguar S-Type is newer by 27 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jaguar S-Type (391 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar S-Type should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jaguar S-Type weights approximately 249 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, 2005 Jaguar S-Type (541 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Jaguar S-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Jaguar S-Type | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | S-Type | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 391 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 541 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
