Italy vs UK — 1947 vs 1957
| 125 S | XKSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 262 hp |
| Torque | 83 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,497 cc | 3,442 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 5.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 106 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 1,654 lbs | 2,249 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 3,950 mm | 3,912 mm |
| Units Produced | 2 | 16 |
| Original MSRP | — | $6,900 |
| Value (Excellent) | $10,000,000 | $18,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1947 Ferrari 125 S brings lighter weight, greater rarity, better value to the table, and the 1957 Jaguar XKSS answers with more power, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1947 Ferrari 125 S versus 1957 Jaguar XKSS is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1957 Jaguar XKSS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 262 hp compared to 118 hp, a 144-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ferrari 125 S uses a V12 SOHC displacing 1,497 cc, while the Jaguar XKSS relies on a Inline-6 DOHC (XK) with 3,442 cc. The 1957 Jaguar XKSS claims a higher top speed at 149 mph compared to 106 mph. The Ferrari 125 S carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 595 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2 units built, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S is considerably scarcer than the Jaguar XKSS's 16 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Jaguar XKSS commands a significant premium over the 1947 Ferrari 125 S, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.