1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 1948 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1989 Jaguar XJS is newer by 41 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 3,980 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (235 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 455 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, 1989 Jaguar XJS (387 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK. 1989 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 1948 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1948 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 1948 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XJS | XK |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1948 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2600 mm |
