1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 265 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 887 kg more than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 40 L |
