1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Jaguar XK8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Jaguar XK8 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 (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1996 Jaguar XK8. (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1996 Jaguar XK8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 289 kg more than 1996 Jaguar XK8. 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 (574 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Jaguar XK8. (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Jaguar XK8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK8 | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK8 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3032 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
