2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 27 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 370 kg more than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Explorer | XJS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 90 L |
