1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1959 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1974 Buick Riviera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1974 Buick Riviera. (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 567 kg more than 1959 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar XK. (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar XK. 1974 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1959 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1959 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 1959 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Buick | Jaguar |
| Model | Riviera | XK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2600 mm |
