1971 BMW 3 vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 41 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 455 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2012 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 3 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3032 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
