1959 BMW 503 vs. 1998 Jaguar XJ8
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 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 151 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1959 BMW 503. 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 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 503 | XJ8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 87 L |
