1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 448 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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 Volkswagen Santana, 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 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XK | Santana |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
