1990 Jaguar XJS vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1990 Jaguar XJS. (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1990 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 48 kg more than 1990 Jaguar XJS. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Jaguar XJS. (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Jaguar XJS. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1990 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1990 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Jaguar XJS | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Jaguar | BMW |
| Model | XJS | 550 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1932 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 70 L |
