2002 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 4 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XK8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XK8 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 26 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Jaguar XK8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2002 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XK8 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
