2009 Jaguar XJ vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XJ is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jaguar XJ (297 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2009 Jaguar XJ (310 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jaguar XJ | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | XJ | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4200 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 85 L |
