UK vs Italy — 1975 vs 1976
| XJS V12 Coupe | 400 Automatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,343 cc | 4,823 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.6 sec | 7.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.7 sec | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,954 lbs | 3,880 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,591 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Length | 4,869 mm | 4,810 mm |
| Units Produced | 115,413 | 2,962 |
| Original MSRP | $19,000 | $60,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $180,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 5/10 |
The 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1975 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
When UK engineering meets Italy craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1975 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe and 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic holds a clear advantage in raw power with 310 hp compared to 285 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar XJS uses a V12 SOHC displacing 5,343 cc, while the Ferrari 400 relies on a V12 DOHC with 4,823 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic edges ahead at 7.1 seconds versus 7.6 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,962 units built, the 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic is considerably scarcer than the Jaguar XJS's 115,413 examples. On the collector market, the 1976 Ferrari 400 Automatic commands a significant premium over the 1975 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.