1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 20 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 (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 663 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Jaguar XK | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
Model | XK | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3781 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 265 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 73.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |