1996 BMW 540 vs. 1948 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 48 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (180 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 550 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (275 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK. 1996 BMW 540 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. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1948 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 540 | XK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
