1958 BMW 501 vs. 1996 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 248 kg more than 1958 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. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1996 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 501 | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
