BMW 328

vs

Jaguar SS100

Germany vs UK — 1936 vs 1938

BMW 328 (1936)
Jaguar SS100 (1938)
Specifications
328 Roadster Mille MigliaSS100 3.5 Litre Roadster
Horsepower80 hp125 hp
Torque101 lb-ft170 lb-ft
Engine Size1,971 cc3,485 cc
0-60 mph10.0 sec10.4 sec
Top Speed96 mph100 mph
¼ Mile17.5 sec
Weight1,830 lbs2,632 lbs
Wheelbase2,400 mm2,667 mm
Length3,900 mm3,962 mm
Units Produced464118
Value (Excellent)$2,500,000$750,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity10/109/10
The Verdict

The 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1936 BMW 328 Roadster Mille Miglia counters with quicker acceleration, lighter weight, 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.

Overview

Putting the 1936 BMW 328 Roadster Mille Miglia against the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — Germany versus UK. The 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 125 hp compared to 80 hp, a 45-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1936 BMW 328 Roadster Mille Miglia edges ahead at 10.0 seconds versus 10.4 seconds. The BMW 328 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 802 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 118 units built, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster is considerably scarcer than the BMW 328's 464 examples. On the collector market, the 1936 BMW 328 Roadster Mille Miglia commands a significant premium over the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.