2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 28 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, 2009 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 103 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, 2009 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B5 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Alpina | Jaguar |
| Model | B5 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
