UK vs West Germany — 1968 vs 1971
| E-Type Series II 4.2 2+2 | 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 246 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 283 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,235 cc | 2,985 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.6 sec | 7.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 138 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.4 sec | 15.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,100 lbs | 3,086 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,667 mm | 2,625 mm |
| Length | 4,750 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Units Produced | 5,326 | 8,199 |
| Original MSRP | $6,500 | $10,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $180,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2 2+2 brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1971 BMW 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe answers with quicker acceleration. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between UK and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2 2+2 versus 1971 BMW 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2 2+2 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 246 hp compared to 200 hp, a 46-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar E-Type Series II uses a Inline-6 DOHC displacing 4,235 cc, while the BMW 3.0 CSi relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 2,985 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 BMW 3.0 CSi Fuel-Injected Coupe edges ahead at 7.0 seconds versus 7.6 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.