1952 Jaguar XK vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 36 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1952 Jaguar XK. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1952 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 331 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Jaguar XK. (290 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Jaguar XK | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | S |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3441 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2950 mm |
