1990 Jaguar XJS vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 Jaguar XJS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 1122 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1990 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1990 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Jaguar XJS | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1932 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
