1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1987 Volvo 740
To start off, 1987 Volvo 740 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Jaguar XJS 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 143 more horse power than 1987 Volvo 740. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1987 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 375 kg more than 1987 Volvo 740. 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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volvo 740. (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volvo 740. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1987 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1987 Volvo 740 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 | 1987 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volvo |
| Model | XJS | 740 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2780 mm |
