1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (90 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 652 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra. 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (143 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Sierra | XJS |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2600 mm |
