Germany vs UK — 1977 vs 1981
| 928 GTS | XJ-S V12 HE | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 350 hp | 299 hp |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 5,397 cc | 5,343 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 171 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 13.6 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,591 mm |
| Length | 4,520 mm | 4,770 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,904 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $130,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1977 Porsche 928 GTS brings more power to the table, and the 1981 Jaguar XJ-S V12 HE answers with better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1977 Porsche 928 GTS versus 1981 Jaguar XJ-S V12 HE is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1977 Porsche 928 GTS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 350 hp compared to 299 hp, a 51-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Porsche 928 uses a V8 DOHC 32V displacing 5,397 cc, while the Jaguar XJ-S relies on a V12 with 5,343 cc. On the collector market, the 1977 Porsche 928 GTS commands a significant premium over the 1981 Jaguar XJ-S V12 HE, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.