1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1956 Jaguar MK VIII
To start off, 1959 Jaguar XK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Jaguar MK VIII would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Jaguar MK VIII (208 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar XK. (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Jaguar MK VIII should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Jaguar MK VIII weights approximately 292 kg more than 1959 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII. (292 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Jaguar MK VIII.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1956 Jaguar MK VIII | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK | MK VIII |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 3441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 106 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 77 L |
