1998 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 1961 MG Midget
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG Midget would be higher. At 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1961 MG Midget. (46 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1961 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1961 MG Midget. 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, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG Midget. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG Midget. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 has automatic transmission and 1961 MG Midget has manual transmission. 1961 MG Midget will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | 1961 MG Midget | |
| Make | Jaguar | MG |
| Model | XJ8 | Midget |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3981 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 46 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 18.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1372 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1232 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2032 mm |
