1974 BMW 3 vs. 1948 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 61 kg more than 1948 Jaguar XK. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1948 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 3 | XK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1372 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2600 mm |
