1959 Jaguar XK vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 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 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (187 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 47 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 (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 80.3 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 | 1473 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
