2004 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jaguar XK8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jaguar XK8 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318.
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, 1997 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm). This means 1997 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1997 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1997 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 318 | XK8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2590 mm |
