Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2014 Jaguar F-TYPE VS 2014 Mercedes SL-Class Near Scottsdale, AZ

To help make backing safer, the F-Type’s optional cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The SL-Class doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the F-Type and the SL-Class have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The F-Type’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the SL-Class’ (6/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2013 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Jaguar vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jaguar 9th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 11th.

As tested in Car and Driver the F-Type V-8 S is faster than the SL65 AMG:

The F-Type stops shorter than the SL-Class:

For better traction, the F-Type’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the SL-Class (275/35R19 vs. 255/40R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the F-Type offers optional 20-inch wheels. The SL-Class’ largest wheels are only 19-inches in the front and 20-inches in the rear.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the F-Type’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the SL-Class (103.2 inches vs. 101.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the F-Type is 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the SL-Class.

The F-Type V-8 S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the SL550 (24.2 seconds @ .85 average G’s vs. 25.7 seconds @ .78 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the F-Type’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the SL550’s (35.1 feet vs. 36.2 feet). The F-Type’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the SL63/SL65’s (35.1 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

The Jaguar F-Type may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 400 pounds less than the Mercedes SL-Class.

The F-Type is 5.6 inches shorter than the SL-Class, making the F-Type easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the F-Type V-8 S is quieter than the SL63 AMG (47 vs. 49 dB).

The F-Type has .1 inches more front legroom and 1 inch more front shoulder room than the SL-Class.