1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1998 McLaren F1
To start off, 1998 McLaren F1 is newer by 17 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 531 kg more than 1998 McLaren F1.
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, 1998 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1998 McLaren F1 has manual transmission. 1998 McLaren F1 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 | 1998 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Jaguar | McLaren |
| Model | XJS | F1 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
