1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 331 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 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, 2013 Volkswagen GTI, 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | GTI |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
