1988 Jaguar XJS vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. (248 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Jaguar XJS. (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Jaguar XJS. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Jaguar XJS has manual transmission. 1988 Jaguar XJS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Jaguar XJS | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJS | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 88 L |
