1981 Jaguar XJS vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 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 45 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (254 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Jaguar XJS. (431 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5344 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 299 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 431 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
