1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1948 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 33 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 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 389 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 697 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 481 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1948 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Jaguar |
| Model | V8 Vantage | XK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1948 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 63 L |
