1988 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (235 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 180 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (387 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1989 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 520 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 102 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2600 mm |
