1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Jaguar XJS 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 114 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 455 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | XJS | 146 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2550 mm |
