1988 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 1 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, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 430 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1987 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1987 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | M3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2600 mm |
