1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2011 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2011 Jaguar XK is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Jaguar XK (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Jaguar XK weights approximately 165 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 2011 Jaguar XK (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2011 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | 450 | XK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4793 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1321 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 61 L |
