1952 Jaguar XK vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 33 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1952 Jaguar XK. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1952 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 305 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Jaguar XK. (290 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Jaguar XK | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | 420 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3441 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2850 mm |
