1971 Austin 3 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 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 176 more horse power than 1971 Austin 3. (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 217 kg more than 1971 Austin 3. 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 3. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Austin | Jaguar |
| Model | 3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
