1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (225 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 625 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1988 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1988 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jaguar |
| Model | Vega | XJS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 90 L |
