1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Jaguar XK8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Jaguar XK8 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2012 BMW Z4. (244 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 163 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4. 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 XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW Z4. (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW Z4. 1996 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK8 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Jaguar | BMW |
| Model | XK8 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 250 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 | 1653 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
