1959 Jaguar XK vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 47 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 101 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 311 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (232 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XK | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
