1959 Jaguar XK vs. 2008 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XJ is newer by 49 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XJ (400 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar XK. (251 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 192 kg more than 1959 Jaguar XK. 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, 2008 Jaguar XJ (553 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar XK. (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar XK. 2008 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. 2008 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 2008 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK | XJ |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 553 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3040 mm |
