2012 Jaguar XJ vs. 1992 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 684 kg more than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Jaguar XJ is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Jaguar XJ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1992 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1992 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 1992 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XJ | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1874 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5252 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1895 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1456 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3157 mm | 2480 mm |
