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 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 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 188 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
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 | 2993 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
