1999 Jaguar XK vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Jaguar XK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Jaguar XK (450 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 165 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Jaguar XK (604 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Jaguar XK | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 604 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2870 mm |
