1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka 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 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2012 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Ka.
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, 2012 Ford Ka, 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 (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Jaguar | Ford |
| Model | XJS | Ka |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
