1961 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 2012 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XK is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XK (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1961 Aston Martin DB4. (310 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1961 Aston Martin DB4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XK weights approximately 550 kg more than 1961 Aston Martin DB4. 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, 2012 Jaguar XK (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Aston Martin DB4. (376 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Aston Martin DB4. 2012 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1961 Aston Martin DB4 has manual transmission. 1961 Aston Martin DB4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Aston Martin DB4 | 2012 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Jaguar |
| Model | DB4 | XK |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3670 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4793 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1328 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 61 L |
