1989 Jaguar XJR vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJR is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 5,996 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJR (318 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJR should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJR weights approximately 1220 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1989 Jaguar XJR (476 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 1989 Jaguar XJR has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Jaguar XJR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJR | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | XJR | Elite |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5996 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 318 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 476 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 29 L |
