1971 BMW 3 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 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 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 (219 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 250 kg more than 1971 BMW 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 87 L |
