1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,980 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (235 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 520 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (387 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 1989 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volvo |
| Model | XJS | S40 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
