1991 Jaguar XJS vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 402 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1991 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1991 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Jaguar XJS | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJS | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
