1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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 110 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 290 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Jaguar XJS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1985 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 432 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 55 L |
