1959 Jaguar XK vs. 2003 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2003 Jaguar XJ is newer by 44 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (251 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Jaguar XJ. (240 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2003 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 72 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Jaguar XJ. (293 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Jaguar XJ. 2003 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1959 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1959 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 2003 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK | XJ |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3040 mm |
