1959 Jaguar XK vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 53 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 47 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 269 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 2012 Lexus IS 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. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lexus |
| Model | XK | IS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2731 mm |
