1971 Jaguar E-Type vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jaguar E-Type. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jaguar E-Type would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1971 Jaguar E-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jaguar E-Type (272 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jaguar E-Type should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jaguar E-Type weights approximately 106 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Jaguar E-Type is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Jaguar E-Type. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Jaguar E-Type (420 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Jaguar E-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jaguar E-Type | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | E-Type | GTI |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5850 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 55 L |
