1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 157 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jaguar |
| Model | Nova | XJS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2600 mm |
