Bentley Continental GT

vs

Jaguar XJ-S

UK vs UK — 2018 vs 1988

Bentley Continental GT (2018)
Jaguar XJ-S (1988)
Specifications
Continental GT W12 MullinerXJ-S TWR 6.0
Horsepower626 hp333 hp
Torque664 lb-ft380 lb-ft
Engine Size5,950 cc5,993 cc
0-60 mph3.6 sec5.7 sec
Top Speed207 mph162 mph
¼ Mile11.4 sec14.0 sec
Weight4,947 lbs3,902 lbs
Wheelbase2,851 mm2,591 mm
Length4,850 mm4,915 mm
Units Produced326
Original MSRP$252,000$68,000
Value (Excellent)$320,000$85,000
Collectibility7/108/10
Rarity5/107/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 2018 Bentley Continental GT W12 Mulliner brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR 6.0 answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

In the world of Grand Tourer cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 2018 Bentley Continental GT W12 Mulliner versus the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR 6.0. Both hail from Modern classic and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 2018 Bentley Continental GT W12 Mulliner holds a clear advantage in raw power with 626 hp compared to 333 hp, a 293-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Bentley Continental GT uses a W12 Twin-Turbo displacing 5,950 cc, while the Jaguar XJ-S relies on a V12 SOHC with 5,993 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2018 Bentley Continental GT W12 Mulliner edges ahead at 3.6 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. The Jaguar XJ-S carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1045 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2018 Bentley Continental GT W12 Mulliner commands a significant premium over the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR 6.0, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.