1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1959 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 45 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Jaguar XK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1959 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider | XK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2600 mm |
