2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1989 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 14 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 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1989 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 160 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1989 Jaguar XJS 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 1989 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1989 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider | XJS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
