1957 BMW 501 vs. 1952 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1957 BMW 501 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Jaguar XK (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1952 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1952 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, 1952 Jaguar XK (290 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1952 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1952 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 501 | XK |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 106 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
