1988 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 29 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 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar XK. (187 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 273 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1959 Jaguar XK (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1959 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | M3 | XK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 106 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
