2002 Alpina B3 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2002 Alpina B3 is newer by 21 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, 2002 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 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 225 kg more than 2002 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alpina B3 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Alpina | Jaguar |
| Model | B3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 90 L |
