1986 Jaguar XJS vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1986 Jaguar XJS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 166 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1986 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Jaguar XJS | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | 280 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 79 L |
