1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1959 Jaguar MK IX
To start off, 1981 Jaguar XJS is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar MK IX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar MK IX would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar MK IX. (220 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar MK IX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar MK IX weights approximately 50 kg more than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
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 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar MK IX. (326 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar MK IX. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1959 Jaguar MK IX has manual transmission. 1959 Jaguar MK IX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 1959 Jaguar MK IX | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XJS | MK IX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 77 L |
