1990 Jaguar XJS vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Jaguar XJS 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 20 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 406 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Jaguar XJS | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
