1973 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Cortina 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 234 more horse power than 1973 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jaguar XK weights approximately 660 kg more than 1973 Ford Cortina. 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 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Cortina. 1997 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1973 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1973 Ford Cortina 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:
| 1973 Ford Cortina | 1997 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Cortina | XK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 75 L |
