1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 26 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 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1985 Jaguar XJS.
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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1985 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1985 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Jaguar | BMW |
| Model | XJS | 520 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 70 L |
