1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 87 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 508 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 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 1989 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2590 mm |
