1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 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 (225 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 592 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Model | XJS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 50 L |
