They are two of the most glamorous drop-tops ever crafted. How can we choose between them? Well, there are a few reasons…
It can be argued that the most important function of a roadster is to leave the driver feeling exilarated and practicality is a mere afterthought. However, what isn't undeer discussion is that the two most glamorous to ever grace the planet are the Mercedes-Benz 280SL and the Jaguar E-type.
Picking between these two symbols of 1960s elegance is like picking between Diana Dors and Britt Ekland - pretty much near impossible - but if you have a job to do, you have to do it well. So here we go - which one is best?
Styling and Interior
No matter which series of E-type you clap eyes on, the Jaguar will make even the most world-weary stop what they are doing and gaze in wonder. Some call it the most beautiful car in the world, and it’s hard to disagree. Even donning the changes to comply with infamous American legislation, with a wider mouth, gawping headlamps and larger bumpers, the E-type invigorates any scene onto which it arrives - that long bonnet, sophisticated curving haunches and millimetre perfect design capturing the spirit of all we aspire towards.
The Mercedes-Benz is beautifully simple in its stance and lines, allowing the benefit to appear almost timeless. Chances are, covering the old-style licence plate; people would only be able to define it by the decade. When standing side by side, the Mercedes appears loftier - mainly in part due to the headlamp arrangement - but the fittings and finish are to a much higher degree, with the tight-fitting shape screaming nothing but old-school Mercedes quality.
As far as looks go, the E-type takes the win, but when it boils down to interiors, the Mercedes clinches victory. The seats are more supportive and the cabin holds more character, with the swanky dashboard and colour-coded infill fashioning a chic American look, netting the core of golden age California panache - it’s not hard to imagine yourself as Tony Curtis when sitting behind the wheel.
The Jaguar’s interior isn’t a bad place to be, but in comparison with the 280SL it somehow feels cheap - even though it works with the best steering wheel of all time.
Power and Handling
This is where the E-type suddenly goes all Joanna Lumley. Not only does it have the looks, it also has the power - not just to kick it with the younger generations, but also to kick sand in the 280SL's face. Offering up 265 ponies to play with, capable of a 0-60mph dash in 7.4 seconds and competent of pushing past the 140mph barrier, the Jaguar powers to victory when its engine supremacy is questioned. Yet, The Mercedes is hardly ‘slow’ - wafting past 60mph in little more than 9 seconds, sailing onto a top speed of 121mph while burbling away with 180bhp.
The Mercedes isn’t down and out however, as it handles rather nicely. Tanking down a twisting road, you’ll be hard pushed to catch it, unless you are in an E-type. Thanks to Jaguar’s independent rear-suspension coupled with the front-wishbone set up, it works with an almost perfect balance offering direct smoothness from the steering. The 280SL is good, but the Jaguar ups the game considerably.
Living with them
Even the simplest jobs on an E-Type can lead onto a nervous breakdown, with specialists smacking their hands together in a cash-fuelled orgy should you take a poorly one in for some TLC. E-type parts can also stretch into prices more akin to retreats in Europe and the complexity of the bodywork can lead to hair loss, stomach ulcers and the urge to purchase a Toyota Avensis.
If you are a Mercedes aficionado you can stop laughing however, as it can often be very much the same story with the 280SL - highlighting just how important it is to find a good one. Once embellished with a cared-for example, the Mercedes is the more comfortable of the two for any long journey and is certainly easier to get in and out of, but the E-Type offers more mileage per gallon and will keep up with modern traffic in a more relaxed manner.
With either car, you will need to lavish them with the utmost care and attention to prevent rusting or mechanical breakdown - not for the faint hearted or those on a shoe-string budget.
Verdict
It was half the price yet twice as good as the 280SL when new. And nothing appears to have changed with time. The Jaguar E-type was a revelation back in 1961 and a true icon now - commanding icon prices, too. Don’t take this as a slur on the Mercedes-Benz as it’s a truly wonderful car, but as a complete package of looks, speed, handling and style - the E-Type is yet to be trumped. Just ensure the example you are contemplating hasn’t been cared for in a negligent manner, unless you like the idea of a mechanical nightmare likely to cause divorce and stress-related illnesses.
Fancy having a look over some Jaguar E-Types for sale?
If not, how about these Mercedes-Benz 280SL examples looking for a new home?