1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 27 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 146 more horse power than 2008 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2008 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 252 kg more than 2008 Lexus IS. 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 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lexus |
| Model | XJS | IS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
