1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XK is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XK (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 110 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Jaguar XK (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | SL | XK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4793 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1328 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
