1996 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XK8 (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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, 2008 Jaguar XK8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2008 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2008 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 525 | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 71 L |
