2009 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2009 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 117 kg more than 2009 BMW 530. 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 BMW 530 (481 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 530 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 481 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 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 | 1590 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
