2004 Jaguar XK vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Jaguar XK is newer by 6 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 Jaguar XK. (294 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2004 Jaguar XK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 Jaguar XK. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Jaguar XK. (411 Nm). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Jaguar XK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Jaguar XK | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XK | SL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 294 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
