1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 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 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 248 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
