1950 Jaguar XK vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1950 Jaguar XK. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1950 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 65 kg more than 1950 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, 1950 Jaguar XK (290 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1950 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Jaguar XK | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | SL |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
