1993 Jaguar XJS vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 1993 Jaguar XJS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 5,996 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Jaguar XJS (309 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 874 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1993 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 1993 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1993 Jaguar XJS (476 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 1993 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1993 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1993 Jaguar XJS 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Jaguar Volkswagen
Model XJS Jetta
Year Released 1993 1985
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5996 cc 1779 cc
Engine Cylinders 12 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 309 HP 109 HP
Engine RPM 5250 RPM 5400 RPM
Torque 476 Nm 156 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 90 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78.5 mm 86.4 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1800 kg 926 kg
Vehicle Length 4770 mm 4320 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1670 mm
Vehicle Height 1270 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2480 mm