2006 Jaguar XJ vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Jaguar XJ is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Jaguar XJ. (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 496 kg more than 2006 Jaguar XJ. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Jaguar XJ. (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Jaguar XJ.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Jaguar XJ | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2110 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
