1952 Jaguar XK vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1952 Jaguar XK. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1952 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 755 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Jaguar XK. (290 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Jaguar XK | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | SL |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3441 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
