1955 BMW 502 vs. 1948 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1955 BMW 502 is newer by 7 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 (160 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1955 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1948 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 BMW 502 weights approximately 38 kg more 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 BMW 502 | 1948 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 502 | XK |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1372 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
