1991 Jaguar XJS vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1991 Jaguar XJS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 5,342 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 Jaguar XJS (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1991 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Jaguar XJS | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Jaguar | Opel |
| Model | XJS | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5342 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 43 L |
