1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 21 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 19 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 677 kg more than 1988 Jaguar XJS.
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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | GTI |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
