2005 Jaguar S-Type vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Jaguar S-Type is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jaguar S-Type (294 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar S-Type should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jaguar S-Type weights approximately 123 kg more than 1981 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 (411 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Jaguar S-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 2005 Jaguar S-Type has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Jaguar S-Type will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Jaguar S-Type | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | S-Type | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 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 | 4100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| 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 | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
