1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1970 Renault 12
To start off, 1970 Renault 12 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1970 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1970 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 480 kg more than 1970 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Jaguar XK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Renault 12, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Renault 12. (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1970 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Renault |
| Model | XK | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 97 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
