1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Jaguar XJS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 930 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. 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, 1985 Jaguar XJS (432 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XJS | Elan |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 45 L |
