UK vs UK — 1945 vs 1938
| TC Midget | SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 54 hp | 125 hp |
| Torque | 64 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,250 cc | 3,485 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 22.7 sec | 10.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 75 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 23.0 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,731 lbs | 2,632 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,388 mm | 2,667 mm |
| Length | 3,556 mm | 3,962 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,000 | 118 |
| Original MSRP | $2,400 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $750,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1945 MG TC Midget offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1945 MG TC Midget versus the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster. Both hail from Pre-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 125 hp compared to 54 hp, a 71-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the MG TC uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,250 cc, while the Jaguar SS100 relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 3,485 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster edges ahead at 10.4 seconds versus 22.7 seconds. The MG TC carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 901 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 MG TC's 10,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1945 MG TC Midget, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.