1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1959 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 22 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 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 630 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1959 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Fiesta | XK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2600 mm |
