1952 Jaguar XK vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 28 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 3,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1952 Jaguar XK. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1952 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 205 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, 1952 Jaguar XK (290 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1952 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Jaguar XK | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | 280 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3441 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2460 mm |
