2001 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Jaguar XK8 (390 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 530 kg more than 2001 Jaguar XK8.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Jaguar XK8. (542 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Jaguar XK8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Jaguar XK8 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK8 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2890 mm |
