1961 Jaguar E-Type vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Jaguar E-Type. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Jaguar E-Type would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1961 Jaguar E-Type. (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Jaguar E-Type. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 644 kg more than 1961 Jaguar E-Type. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Jaguar E-Type. (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Jaguar E-Type. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1961 Jaguar E-Type has manual transmission. 1961 Jaguar E-Type will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Jaguar E-Type | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-Type | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3781 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
