1952 Jaguar XK vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1952 Jaguar XK. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1952 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1952 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Jaguar XK. (290 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Jaguar XK | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | 450 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3441 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
