1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2011 Jaguar XJ is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2011 Jaguar XJ. (271 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2011 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 191 kg more than 2011 Jaguar XJ. 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, 2011 Jaguar XJ (600 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (470 Nm). This means 2011 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | S | XJ |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
