1999 Alpina B3 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1999 Alpina B3 is newer by 18 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, 1999 Alpina B3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 7 kg more than 1999 Alpina B3.
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, 1999 Alpina B3 (455 Nm) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm). This means 1999 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1999 Alpina B3 has manual transmission. 1999 Alpina B3 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:
| 1999 Alpina B3 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Alpina | Jaguar |
| Model | B3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
