1985 Jaguar XJS vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1202 kg more than 1985 Jaguar XJS.
Because 1985 Jaguar XJS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Jaguar XJS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1985 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | A |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
