1955 BMW 501 vs. 1960 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1960 Jaguar XK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Jaguar XK (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Jaguar XK weights approximately 128 kg more than 1955 BMW 501. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 BMW 501 | 1960 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 501 | XK |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
