2005 Jaguar XJ vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Jaguar XJ is newer by 7 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jaguar XJ (390 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar XJ 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 25 kg more than 2005 Jaguar XJ.
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, 2005 Jaguar XJ (525 Nm) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm). This means 2005 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2005 Jaguar XJ 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. 2005 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Jaguar XJ | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 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 | 1735 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 84 L | 80 L |
