1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,994 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jaguar XK weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. 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, 1997 Jaguar XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500. 1997 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1961 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1961 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1997 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Fiat | Jaguar |
| Model | 500 | XK |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2590 mm |
