2002 Jaguar XK8 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Jaguar XK8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Jaguar XK8 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Jaguar XK8. (300 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Jaguar XK8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 220 kg more than 2002 Jaguar XK8. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Jaguar XK8. (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Jaguar XK8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XK8 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
