1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat 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 240 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 787 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Jaguar XJS | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
Model | XJS | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1271 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 299 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 431 Nm | 94 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 920 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2480 mm |