1998 Jaguar XK vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 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 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (295 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Jaguar XK. (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 530 kg more than 1998 Jaguar XK. 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 XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (385 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XK | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 90 L |
