2008 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XK8 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XK8 (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (225 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 215 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 Jaguar XK8 (411 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Jaguar XJS. 2008 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1988 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1988 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jaguar XK8 | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK8 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
