1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 16 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 373 more horse power than 1985 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1985 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 430 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Jaguar XJS. (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | W12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| 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 | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
