2009 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1986 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 245 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Jaguar XJS. (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1986 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | M3 | XJS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2600 mm |
