1993 Jaguar XJS vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1993 Jaguar XJS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volvo 242. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volvo 242 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 212 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 516 kg more than 1986 Volvo 242. 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, 1993 Jaguar XJS (476 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1993 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242. 1993 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1986 Volvo 242 has manual transmission. 1986 Volvo 242 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 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volvo |
| Model | XJS | 242 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5996 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 476 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1806 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2660 mm |
