Clash of the Classics: Porsche 928 vs Jaguar XJS
Porsche’s 928 and Jaguar’s XJS are super-smooth GTs that were designed to move their respective companies forwards into a new age. Both had long production lives, and both have languished in the jalopy regions of the classifieds. However, things are looking up: both are now piquing the interest of a new generation of classic car fans. This means that they’re climbing in value. But which one would you choose?
Round 1. The Power
The 928 started off meaty and became increasingly harder edged as time went on. The first cars had a 4.5-litre V8 good for 237bhp, and by the time it went out of production that had swelled to 345bhp courtesy of a larger displacement; 5.4-litres, to be precise. This means it really is a supercar – the fastest versions can crack the sixty dash in less than six seconds and soar to around 170mph. The in-gear acceleration is where the 928 really feels truly potent – a far off metallic noise can faintly be heard before your eyeballs discover the cut of your rear collar. 30-70mph takes just 4.9 seconds.
The Jaguar fights back with a meaty 295bhp from its 5.3-litre V12 for the early pre-HE engine. Like the Porsche, evolution played its part – by 1996 the Jag had lost a hyphen but had now become 6.0-litres. At its peak (non-TWR/Lister) evolution, the XJS delivered 308bhp, 0-60mph 6.6 seconds and a top whack in excess of 160mph.
Of course, there’s the six-cylinder Jag to consider – this delivered 237bhp in its final form.
Round 2. The Handling
The early XJ-S was criticised for being far too smooth to drive; a contrast from the belt-and-braces E-type that came before it. It’s a wonderfully smooth experience, but contemporary testers described the steering as being ‘overlight’. However, by the end of its production life it became much tauter - not overly so, however. That would definitely be un-Jaguar-like.
This provides an interesting link to the 928. For most of its life the 928 was praised for its fabulous grip, incisive steering and ride comfort. The great handling was thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution – but according to contemporary road testers its shift to a harder edge with the GTS models was unsuitable. Journalists bemoaned the loss of ride comfort and one magazine even dared to say it wasn’t particularly refined. But as we’ll see below, this very criticism could be a benefit…
Round 3. The looks
The XJ-S faced a barrage of criticism from the motoring press when it was launched. Following the E-type was always going to be challenge, and I concede that for some the XJ-S will always be the poor relation. But a newer generation is beginning to appreciate the Jag for what it is rather than what it isn't; a younger generation for whom the low roofline, long bonnet and decadent V12 is a satisfying antidote to high-hipped modernity. Dare to say it – itfeels sexy. Time to put the prejudice away?
The 928, however, was miles away from what a Porsche ‘should’ be. It was originally intended to replace the 911, but of course that never happened. It still looks futuristic today; and while the XJ-S look sexy in Savile Row Establishment manner, the 928 is much more Blade Runner-esque. Inside it feels like a spaceship – easing the gear selector into place feels like you’re operating the Starship Enterprise. And with the 928’s propensity for chomping miles quickly, it can make the world like it’s going into warp speed.
Round 4. Owning one
Both cars weren't exactly cheap when new, and thus you should expect expensive bills to keep them ship-shape. Unfortunately, a lot of them were run on a shoestring, which means finding a good one of either can be a challenge. Jaguars benefit from having a wider resource from which to source parts and knowledge; the club scene really is very supportive and there are many specialists to help. Restoring an XJ-S still won’t make a return, but help is on hand should you do it for the love.
The Porsche, however, has a different problem. While arguably better built, the newest cars are at least twenty years old now, so expect problems. Unlike the Jaguar parts can be expensive – it really does pay to find the very best car you can in the first place. That’s not to say there isn’t fine support out there – but you’re unlikely to be tripping over bits in autojumbles.
Oh, and a short word on fuel consumption. Neither of these cars were designed to be particularly easy on the fuel, but the Jag’s V12 does like a drink. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…
Summing up.
Choosing between these cars really comes down to what you want and expect. Both were high-performance GT cars with long lives, but the differences are marked. The Jag caresses and cuddles, its leather and wood far more restrained and old-school. That’s not to say it can’t summon up the power when necessary, but it’s more of a polite push than outright hooliganism.
The 928, however, is truly Jekyll and Hyde. While not quite as comforting as the Jaguar, it’s still a wonderful place to be – though more in the style of a modernist home. And should you choose to prod the loud pedal, you really do get supercar heave. Calm it down and it's as docile as a well-fed Labrador.
Which one?
The purity of the originals holds an appeal; the XJ-S and the 928 offer similar power and refinement. This early 928 looks in useable condition and would make an interesting project and this French XJ-S has plenty going for it (and would make a more-than-suitable retirement car for a patriotic Brit ex-pat).
However if you fancy one of the late-model cars, how about this late-model and factory cosseted 928 GTS? It even has a Porsche director among its custodians. This late-model XJS looks simply beautiful in deep blue – it’s also minus a roof. Perhaps that would edge you in Coventry’s way?
So, over to you – which would you choose? Let us know below…
Nathan Chadwick