1996 Jaguar XK vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 16 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1996 Jaguar XK. (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 Jaguar XK. 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Jaguar XK. (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
