1983 Jaguar XJS vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Jaguar XJS (226 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 647 kg more than 1983 Jaguar XJS.
Because 1983 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 1983 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1983 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1983 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Jaguar XJS | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
