1998 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ8 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3981 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2940 mm |
