2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Jaguar XJ. (470 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 67 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Jaguar XJ. (574 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Jaguar XJ.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Jaguar |
| Model | SL | XJ |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3032 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 82 L |
