2009 Jaguar XJ vs. 1998 Jaguar XJ8
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XJ is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jaguar XJ8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jaguar XJ8 would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jaguar XJ (297 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. (290 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1998 Jaguar XJ8.
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, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Jaguar XJ. (310 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Jaguar XJ.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jaguar XJ | 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XJ | XJ8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4200 cc | 3981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 87 L |
