1973 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1985 Jaguar XJS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 510 kg more than 1973 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, 1985 Jaguar XJS (432 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1985 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1985 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 5343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 432 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
