1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1985 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1985 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 160 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Jaguar XJS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Jaguar XJS. (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
