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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Jaguar XJ. (271 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 143 kg more than 1996 Jaguar XK8.
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 (600 Nm) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Jaguar XK8. (393 Nm). 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 | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 600 Nm |
| 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 | 1796 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
