2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 17 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (219 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 150 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider | XJS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
