Although the Jaguar XJ-S and the Triumph Stag offered different engines and wholly different driving experiences, they did share one thing - the customer. So, which one should John Steed or the Du Pont family have purchased back in the decade of glam rock and Roger Moore’s Bond?
Between the years of 1975 and 1978, two British Leyland creations waged war for the attention of middle class buyers. Arriving in 1970 was the Triumph Stag, offering looks and an exhaust note to die for, while five years later the Jaguar XJ-S landed on UK tarmac gifting fresh looks and V12 power.
This left Mr Fotherington-Carstairs with a dilemma. Triumph V8 or Jaguar V12? In a time crippled with oil and energy supply problems this would seem like sheer madness, but people akin to Mr Fotherington-Carstairs remained unfazed due to personal fortunes amassed from flared jeans, spacehopper and maxi skirt sales.
So, which one should Mr Money-For-Toilet-Roll or Lady Barbour-Caviar-Smyth have spent their money on? Time to find out…
The Looks
Both of these BL vehicles are stunning to look at. Large periods of time can be spent simply gazing at the crisp lines and robust stance on offer. The front-end styling of the Stag captures your attention and drains you of your reservations about the square rear end - with lashings of chrome finishing off a well-balanced appearance where nothing appears out of order. The proportions are perfect and were well received upon launch, something that cannot be said for the gargantuan XJ-S.
Launched to a sigh of disbelief from Jaguar purists and the general world after spending so much time in the glory of the preceding E-type, the XJ-S took several years to mature. It’s understandable as to why the awaiting public took so badly to the XJ-S - the rubber bumpers didn’t appear to fit and the shape was unlike anything else before. Yet, today the Jaguar moons with its beauty - those flying buttresses add elegance and the styling appears timeless. There is not one bit of the XJ-S that we would change.
The winner of the beauty contest? Both look good outside The Savoy, both emerge from traffic with grace and each leave their mark in such a way that you can’t help longing after them in a flurry of desirability. Asking us to choose is like picking between Tizer and Cresta. However, for us, the Triumph Stag takes the bell-bottomed trophy. It’s frothy, man.
The Power
This is where the Jag pounces to vol-au-vent filled glory. Capable of surpassing the 150mph mark and top 60mph from a standstill in 7 seconds - propelled by 285bhp - this was seriously quick for its day and still canes younger whippersnappers on modern roads. The Stag isn’t exactly slow, with a 0-60mph sprint completed in 9 seconds and a top speed of 120mph from 145bhp, but compared to the XJ-S falls short of the mark. In all honesty, this is to be expected - as the mighty V12 is nearly twice the size of Triumph’s V8. It was almost twice the price when fresh out the factory, too.
The Handling
Low ride speed in any of these coupés is comfortable and effortless. Taking either around town is a lesson in how far removed from their competition the Stag and XJ-S were, with higher speeds continuing to impress. For sweeping roads and long distance cruising very little comes close.
However, there is one attribute letting the side down for Jaguar - and for this we can blame the Americans. In an effort to tune appeal for socialites of the USA, and the cast of Dallas, the steering was tailored to be as light as possible - which really takes away from the planted feel the XJ-S needs. Don’t think this makes it sloppy, but it certainly gives the Stag that extra weight required to win this round.
Living with Them
Both the Triumph and the Jaguar have enough space in the boot for right-wing fears amid golf clubs and Champagne baskets, but space for more than two people is tricky. The Stag and XJ-S both have back seats, but unless you have paper thin legs or are Janette Krankie, you won't fit. The back seats are really only suitable for luggage taken for your visit to the French Rivera.
As far as fuel bills go, an early XJ-S is a thirsty beast with an average of 15mpg, while the Triumph can easily achieve close to double that. Parts for the Jaguar can also be rather expensive, while DIY jobs can leave you questioning your sanity. Owners clubs can help with all these aspects, however.
The Stag also offers a supportive club, but maintenance and almost everything else is cheaper to deal with, and for that, we would recommend the Stag for anyone not made of money. Most of the examples left have also had that infamously unreliable engine seen to, while most XJ-S examples within financial reach have been run on a shoestring - and should therefore be avoided.
The Verdict
As much as we adore the early Jaguar XJ-S, we have to give this battle to the Stag. It’s cheaper to run, handles better and can keep up with modern traffic for fun. If you really do want an XJ-S, try and source a later example - such as we have here.