1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2001 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2001 Panoz Esperante is newer by 20 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, 2001 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 437 kg more than 2001 Panoz Esperante.
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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Panoz Esperante. (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Panoz Esperante. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2001 Panoz Esperante has manual transmission. 2001 Panoz Esperante 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 | 2001 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Jaguar | Panoz |
| Model | XJS | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
