1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (158 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 457 kg more than 1959 Jaguar XK.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | 300 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3160 mm |
