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 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 88 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 60 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 (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 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. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1989 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1989 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
