1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XK is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 4,194 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jaguar XK (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jaguar XK weights approximately 787 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Jaguar XK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta. 2009 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Fiesta | XK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 71 L |
