2006 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 1979 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,555 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Jaguar XJ8 (254 HP) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2006 Jaguar XJ8 (335 Nm) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2006 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Jaguar XJ8 has automatic transmission and 1979 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1979 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Jaguar XJ8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Jaguar XJ8 | 1979 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XJ8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3555 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2440 mm |
