1998 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 Jaguar XJ8.
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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (422 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ8 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3981 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| 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 | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2950 mm |
