1992 Jaguar XJ220 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1992 Jaguar XJ220 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Jaguar XJ220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Jaguar XJ220 (542 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 493 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Jaguar XJ220 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Jaguar XJ220 weights approximately 666 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 Jaguar XJ220 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 1992 Jaguar XJ220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1992 Jaguar XJ220 (642 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 565 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Jaguar XJ220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Jaguar XJ220 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJ220 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3492 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 542 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 642 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
