1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Jaguar XK8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Jaguar XK8 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 107 kg more than 1996 Jaguar XK8.
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 XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1996 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Jaguar XK8 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | XK8 | SL |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 291 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 393 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |