1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 440 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1981 Nissan Skyline, 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 (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 1981 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1988 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1988 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Jaguar | Nissan |
| Model | XJS | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
