1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XK is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XK (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XK weights approximately 230 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2012 Jaguar XK (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | 280 | XK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4793 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1328 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 61 L |
