1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 29 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 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (251 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1988 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 157 kg more than 1959 Jaguar XK.
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, 1988 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar XK. (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK | XJS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2600 mm |
