1956 Jaguar MK VIII vs. 1998 Jaguar XJ8
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Jaguar MK VIII would be higher. At 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. (208 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. (292 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Jaguar MK VIII | 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | MK VIII | XJ8 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3441 cc | 3981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 87 L |
