2006 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2006 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Jaguar XJ8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1981 Jaguar XJS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Jaguar XJ8. (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Jaguar XJ8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Jaguar XJ8 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XJ8 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 90 L |
