2003 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 245 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | M3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
