2008 Jaguar XKR vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XKR is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jaguar XKR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XKR (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XKR should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jaguar XKR weights approximately 365 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. 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 XKR (561 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XKR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jaguar XKR | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Porsche |
| Model | XKR | 944 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 561 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
