1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (291 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1988 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 116 kg more than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
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 (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Jaguar |
| Model | V8 Volante | XJS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 5343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 82 L |
