1957 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1948 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 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 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 4 kg more than 1948 Jaguar XK. 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Corvette | 1948 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jaguar |
| Model | Corvette | XK |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4638 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1376 kg | 1372 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
