1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2011 Aston Martin DB9
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 30 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin DB9 (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Aston Martin DB9 weights approximately 53 kg more than 1981 Jaguar XJS. 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, 2011 Aston Martin DB9 (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2011 Aston Martin DB9 has manual transmission. 2011 Aston Martin DB9 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 | 2011 Aston Martin DB9 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Aston Martin |
| Model | XJS | DB9 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4712 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 80 L |
