2002 Jaguar S-Type vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Jaguar S-Type is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,235 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar S-Type is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar S-Type (400 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar S-Type should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar S-Type weights approximately 110 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2002 Jaguar S-Type (541 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar S-Type will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2002 Jaguar S-Type has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Jaguar S-Type will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar S-Type | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-Type | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4235 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 541 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
