2008 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 20 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, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (219 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1988 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | M3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 87 L |
