1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 191 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 450 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 276 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 189 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
