1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XK (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 250 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Jaguar XK (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | C | XK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4793 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1321 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 61 L |
