1984 BMW 323 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1984 BMW 323 is newer by 3 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 151 more horse power than 1984 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 617 kg more than 1984 BMW 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 323. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW 323 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:
| 1984 BMW 323 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 323 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2600 mm |
