1975 Jaguar XJS vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,342 cc (12 cylinders), 1975 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1975 Jaguar XJS. (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 70 kg more than 1975 Jaguar XJS. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Jaguar XJS. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1975 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1975 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Jaguar XJS | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | SL |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5342 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 80 L |
