1948 Jaguar XK vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 64 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, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK.
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 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1948 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1948 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Jaguar XK | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Jaguar | BMW |
| Model | XK | 520 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
