1977 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 727 kg more than 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider | XJS |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
