2002 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 1989 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1989 Jaguar XJS. (235 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 Jaguar XJ8.
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, 2002 Jaguar XJ8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Jaguar XJS. (387 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XJ8 | 1989 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XJ8 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 102 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2600 mm |
