1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 333 kg more than 1981 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 88 L |
