1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2013 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2013 Jaguar XK is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Jaguar XK (503 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Jaguar XK weights approximately 74 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2013 Jaguar XK (681 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 2013 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | S | XK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4520 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 681 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1804 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4794 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1322 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2752 mm |
