1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1985 Jaguar XJS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 815 kg more than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. 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 (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Jaguar | Triumph |
| Model | XJS | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 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 | 1630 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2110 mm |
