1996 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Jaguar MK VIII
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar MK VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar MK VIII would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar MK VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar MK VIII. (210 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar MK VIII. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar MK VIII weights approximately 177 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar MK VIII. (292 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar MK VIII.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1959 Jaguar MK VIII | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | M3 | MK VIII |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3050 mm |
