2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 1217 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 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 @ 3000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2002 Caterham Superlight R has manual transmission. 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Caterham | Jaguar |
| Model | Superlight R | XJS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2600 mm |
