1998 Jaguar XK vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 70 kg more than 1998 Jaguar XK.
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 XK (394 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XK | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3090 mm |
