1979 Ford Fiesta vs. 1983 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1983 Jaguar XJS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Jaguar XJS (226 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 945 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Jaguar XJS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1983 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1983 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1983 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fiesta | 1983 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Fiesta | XJS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2600 mm |
