1948 Jaguar XK vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1948 Jaguar XK. (160 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1948 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1948 Jaguar XK. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Jaguar XK. (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Jaguar XK. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1948 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1948 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Jaguar XK | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | 300 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2810 mm |
