1948 Jaguar XK vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 39 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Jaguar XK weights approximately 268 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
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 (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1948 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Jaguar XK | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XK | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1372 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
