2009 Dodge Viper vs. 1981 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 2009 Dodge Viper 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 8,285 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Viper (499 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 Dodge Viper.
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 Dodge Viper (711 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Viper | 1981 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Dodge | Jaguar |
| Model | Viper | XJS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8285 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 499 HP | 299 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 711 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.9 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1602 kg | 1707 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
