1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1998 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XK is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XK (290 HP) has 270 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XK weights approximately 1255 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. 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 XK (394 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500. 1998 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1998 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Abarth | Jaguar |
| Model | 500 | XK |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 290 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 75 L |
