2003 Jaguar XJ vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2003 Jaguar XJ 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 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Jaguar XJ (294 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (291 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1988 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 315 kg more than 2003 Jaguar XJ.
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 (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Jaguar XJ. (411 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Jaguar XJ. 2003 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1988 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1988 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Jaguar XJ | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XJ | XJS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 294 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 82 L |
