1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2002 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XK8 (300 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1979 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, 2002 Jaguar XK8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina. 2002 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 2002 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Cortina | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 75 L |
