1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 22 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 154 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (66 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 380 kg more than 1981 Renault 18. 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, 1981 Renault 18, 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Renault |
| Model | XK | 18 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
