1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 650 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider | XJS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
