1997 Jaguar XK vs. 1973 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 1997 Jaguar XK is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Jaguar XJ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Jaguar XJ would be higher. At 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1973 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1973 Jaguar XJ. (251 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1973 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 135 kg more than 1997 Jaguar XK.
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, 1973 Jaguar XJ (409 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jaguar XK. (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jaguar XK | 1973 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Jaguar | Jaguar |
| Model | XK | XJ |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3994 cc | 5344 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 409 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
