1987 Jaguar XJS vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1987 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 185 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
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, 1987 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1987 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1987 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Jaguar XJS | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Jaguar | BMW |
| Model | XJS | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
