1948 Jaguar XK vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1978 Ford Cortina is newer by 30 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 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Jaguar XK (180 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Jaguar XK weights approximately 262 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. 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, 1948 Jaguar XK (276 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1948 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Jaguar XK | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Jaguar | Ford |
| Model | XK | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1372 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2580 mm |
