1997 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 499 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Jaguar XJ is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Jaguar XJ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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:
1997 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
Make | Volkswagen | Jaguar |
Model | Passat | XJ |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1896 cc | 5000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 385 HP |
Engine RPM | 4150 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 235 Nm | 515 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1874 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5252 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1895 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1456 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3157 mm |