1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, both 1981 Jaguar XJS and 1981 Lancia Beta were released in the same year (1981). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 218 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 707 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. 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, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta 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 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lancia |
| Model | XJS | Beta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 49 L |
