1996 Jaguar XK vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK (370 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 235 kg more than 1996 Jaguar XK.
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, 1996 Jaguar XK (525 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 88 L |
