1996 Jaguar XK vs. 1959 Jaguar MK II
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar MK II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar MK II would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK (370 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar MK II. (208 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar MK II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK weights approximately 140 kg more than 1959 Jaguar MK II. 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 Jaguar XK (535 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar MK II. (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar MK II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK | 1959 Jaguar MK II | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK | MK II |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 535 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2900 mm |
