2008 Jaguar XJ vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XJ is newer by 10 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 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2008 Jaguar XJ. (400 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Jaguar XJ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 385 kg more than 2008 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Jaguar XJ. (553 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Jaguar XJ.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jaguar XJ | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 553 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.3 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
