1948 Jaguar XK vs. 1971 Jaguar E-Type
To start off, 1971 Jaguar E-Type is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1971 Jaguar E-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jaguar E-Type (272 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jaguar E-Type should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jaguar E-Type weights approximately 204 kg more than 1948 Jaguar XK. 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, 1971 Jaguar E-Type (420 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Jaguar E-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Jaguar XK | 1971 Jaguar E-Type | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK | E-Type |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
