1998 Jaguar XJ8 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 235 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Jaguar XJ8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ8 | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3981 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 80 L |
