1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 25 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 159 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 239 kg more than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
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, 2006 Saturn ION, 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 234 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Jaguar | Saturn |
| Model | XJS | ION |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1946 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 49 L |
