Performance Review: Jaguar XJ S V12 - [1975]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jaguar XJ Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jaguar XJ S V12 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1975. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 and the 1975 Lotus Esprit S1 2.0.This particular Jaguar XJ has a 4235cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12

The XJ shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the XJ's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1681 kgs (3705 lbs) this makes the Jaguar XJ S V12 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jaguar XJ shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4235cc 24V V12 engine produces 285 bhp (212 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 294 lb-ft (398.6 Nm) @ 3500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Jaguar XJ you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2004 Porsche Boxster S 3.2 987 (194.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jaguar XJ.

The Jaguar XJ has a Power to weight ratio of 169.5 bhp per ton and 174.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1975 XJ competing with the 2004 Porsche Boxster S 3.2 987 (194.3 bhp per ton) or the 1992 BMW 5 Series M5 E34 (194.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Jaguar XJ generating around 174.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1962 Lincoln Continental 7.0L V8 (199.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Golf GT TDi 170 (199.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.9 secs, this made the Jaguar XJ S V12 as fast as the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (6.70 secs) the 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.70 secs) the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Blacktop 3.6L V6 (6.70 secs) the or the 2012 Abarth 695 Edizione Maserati 1.4 Turbo (6.70 secs). This Jaguar XJ S V12 is also faster than the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the and the 2010 Alfa-Romeo Brera JTS 3.2 V6 24v (6.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the XJ and the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Jaguar XJ on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.74 secs @ 92.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (14.67 secs), the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale 7.5L V8 (14.70 secs), and the 2007 Vauxhall-Opel Vectra 2.8T V6 VXR (14.70 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1975 version of the Jaguar XJ S V12 has a maximum speed of 153mph.

Top Speed of the 1975 XJ equals the 1999 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S 260 (164 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1975 Jaguar XJ S V12 then how about the 1999 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S 260 (164 mph), the 1977 Lamborghini Countach LP400S (164 mph), or the 1967 Ford GT 40 (164 mph).

Related Links:

1975 XJ Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jaguar

Car Comparison