1965 Bristol 409 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1965 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1965 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 107 kg more than 1965 Bristol 409. 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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Bristol 409 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Bristol | Jaguar |
| Model | 409 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 90 L |
