1998 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jaguar XJ8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jaguar XJ8 would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 365 kg more than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Jaguar XJ8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ8 | CL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3981 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 603 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 88 L |
