UK vs UK — 1975 vs 1977
| XJS V12 Coupe | V8 Vantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 380 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,343 cc | 5,340 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.6 sec | 5.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 170 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.7 sec | 13.6 sec |
| Weight | 3,954 lbs | 3,891 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,591 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Length | 4,869 mm | 4,572 mm |
| Units Produced | 115,413 | 534 |
| Original MSRP | $19,000 | $58,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 8/10 |
The 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1975 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe counters with better value, 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.
The 1975 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe and 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage stand as two of the most notable Grand Tourer cars from Malaise era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage holds a clear advantage in raw power with 380 hp compared to 285 hp, a 95-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar XJS uses a V12 SOHC displacing 5,343 cc, while the Aston Martin V8 relies on a V8 DOHC with 5,340 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 7.6 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 534 units built, the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is considerably scarcer than the Jaguar XJS's 115,413 examples. On the collector market, the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage commands a significant premium over the 1975 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.