1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 32 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 343 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.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Jaguar XJS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Jaguar | BMW |
| Model | XJS | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
