1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 22 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 5,344 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Jaguar XJS (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (176 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 123 kg more than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
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, 1981 Jaguar XJS (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 1981 Jaguar XJS has automatic transmission and 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has manual transmission. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Jaguar XJS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1707 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
