1990 Jaguar XJS vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1990 Jaguar XJS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 810 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1990 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Jaguar XJS | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
Model | XJS | Beetle |
Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 217 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 331 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |