1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 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 97 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 276 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Jaguar XJS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Jaguar XJS 2008 Volkswagen Golf
Make Jaguar Volkswagen
Model XJS Golf
Year Released 1988 2008
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3590 cc 1895 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 225 HP 128 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 325 Nm 310 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 1900 RPM
Engine Bore Size 91 mm 79.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92 mm 95.5 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.5:1 19.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Top Speed 241 km/hour 202 km/hour
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1630 kg 1354 kg
Vehicle Length 4880 mm 4400 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1220 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 90 L 55 L