1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 141 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 348 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Jaguar XJS | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
Model | XJS | Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5344 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 299 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 431 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1359 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |