2006 Jaguar XJ vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Jaguar XJ is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Jaguar XJ (400 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 779 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Jaguar XJ 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 2006 Jaguar XJ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Jaguar XJ (560 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 465 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Jaguar XJ | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJ | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1659 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2480 mm |
