1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Jaguar XF
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XF is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XF is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XF (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XF should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XF weights approximately 408 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2012 Jaguar XF (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XF will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Jaguar XF | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | 300 | XF |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4961 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2908 mm |
