1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit 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 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 98 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar XK. (187 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster 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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar XK. (310 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XK | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
