2009 Jaguar XF vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XF is newer by 31 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, 2009 Jaguar XF (410 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XF should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jaguar XF weights approximately 246 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, 2009 Jaguar XF (560 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Jaguar XF will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jaguar XF | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XF | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| 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 | 410 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1842 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
