1955 BMW 501 vs. 1989 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJS is newer by 34 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 3,980 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (235 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 405 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. 1989 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1955 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1955 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 BMW 501 | 1989 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 501 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 102 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
