1998 Jaguar XK vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XK is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XK weights approximately 885 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1998 Jaguar XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1998 Jaguar XK has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XK | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XK | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 35 L |
