1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 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 62 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 41 kg more than 1988 Jaguar XJS.
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 (331 Nm) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Model | XJS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85.1 mm |
| 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 | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2270 mm |
