2008 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1959 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 49 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 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (251 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 187 kg more than 1959 Jaguar XK.
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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1959 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | 159 | XK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
