2008 Jaguar XKR vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Jaguar XKR is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XKR (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (376 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XKR should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 111 kg more than 2008 Jaguar XKR.
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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Jaguar XKR. (560 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Jaguar XKR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jaguar XKR | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XKR | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 420 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1689 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 80 L |
