1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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 6,208 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (451 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (299 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 48 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Jaguar XJS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Jaguar XJS | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 451 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 4.5 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 | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 66 L |
