1959 BMW 503 vs. 2002 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XJ is newer by 43 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 3,248 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XJ (240 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 210 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, 2002 Jaguar XJ (316 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 2002 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 503 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2880 mm |
