1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJS is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 1036 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XJS | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
