1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 23 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, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1989 Jaguar XJS. (235 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1989 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1989 Jaguar XJS. 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Jaguar XJS. (387 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Jaguar | BMW |
| Model | XJS | 740 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3210 mm |
