1997 BMW S3 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 339 kg more than 1997 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | S3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
