1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 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 (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 130 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. Let's talk about torque, 1959 Jaguar XK (325 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2950 mm |
