2009 Jaguar XK vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XK is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jaguar XK (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 123 kg more than 2009 Jaguar XK.
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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Jaguar XK. (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jaguar XK | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
