1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 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 (219 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 514 kg more than 2003 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 (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Model | XJS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 50 L |
