1972 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2003 Jaguar XJ is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Jaguar XJ (240 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 171 kg more than 1972 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, 2003 Jaguar XJ (293 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2003 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2003 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 3 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3040 mm |
