1995 BMW S3 vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW S3 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1995 BMW S3. (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 236 kg more than 1995 BMW S3. 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (624 Nm) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3. 2012 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | S3 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3157 mm |
