1990 Jaguar XJS vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 1990 Jaguar XJS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 18 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 137 more horse power than 1979 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 605 kg more than 1979 Renault 18. 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, 1979 Renault 18, 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 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Jaguar XJS | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Renault |
| Model | XJS | 18 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1410 mm |
