1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 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 175 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Model | XJS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 48 L |
