1987 Jaguar XJS vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1987 Jaguar XJS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Jaguar XJS (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 45 kg more than 1987 Jaguar XJS.
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, 1987 Jaguar XJS (331 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Jaguar XJS | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | S |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3590 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2870 mm |
