1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1977 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Golf 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 250 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 957 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1977 Volkswagen Golf, 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 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1977 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1977 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1977 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
