1968 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort.
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 XK8 (393 Nm) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (102 Nm). This means 1997 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1997 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1997 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Escort | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 158 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
