1973 Jaguar XJ vs. 2009 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XK is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Jaguar XJ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Jaguar XJ would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1973 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jaguar XK (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1973 Jaguar XJ. (251 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1973 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 215 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Jaguar XK (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Jaguar XJ. (409 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Jaguar XJ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Jaguar XJ | 2009 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XJ | XK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 409 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 71 L |
