1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 37 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 104 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 725 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1959 Jaguar XK (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XK | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2310 mm |
