1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Jaguar XJS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 45 L |
