1959 Jaguar XK vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 49 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar XK. (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 437 kg more than 1959 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Jaguar XK. (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Jaguar XK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1959 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1959 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Jaguar XK | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 384 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
