1951 Jaguar C-Type vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Jaguar C-Type. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Jaguar C-Type would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1951 Jaguar C-Type. (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1951 Jaguar C-Type. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 990 kg more than 1951 Jaguar C-Type. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 422 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Jaguar C-Type. (298 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Jaguar C-Type. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1951 Jaguar C-Type has manual transmission. 1951 Jaguar C-Type will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Jaguar C-Type | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C-Type | SL |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
