Mazda Eunos Cosmo

vs

Jaguar XJ-S

Japan vs UK — 1990 vs 1988

Mazda Eunos Cosmo (1990)
Jaguar XJ-S (1988)
Specifications
Eunos Cosmo 20B Type SXJ-S TWR 6.0
Horsepower300 hp333 hp
Torque300 lb-ft380 lb-ft
Engine Size1,962 cc5,993 cc
0-60 mph5.0 sec5.7 sec
Top Speed158 mph162 mph
¼ Mile13.5 sec14.0 sec
Weight3,616 lbs3,902 lbs
Wheelbase2,750 mm2,591 mm
Length4,815 mm4,915 mm
Units Produced8,875326
Original MSRP$68,000
Value (Excellent)$80,000$85,000
Collectibility8/108/10
Rarity8/107/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo 20B Type S brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR 6.0 answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between Japan and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo 20B Type S versus 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR 6.0 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR 6.0 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 333 hp compared to 300 hp, a 33-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda Eunos Cosmo uses a Triple-Rotor Wankel (20B-REW) displacing 1,962 cc, while the Jaguar XJ-S relies on a V12 SOHC with 5,993 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo 20B Type S edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. The Mazda Eunos Cosmo carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 286 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 326 units built, the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S TWR 6.0 is considerably scarcer than the Mazda Eunos Cosmo's 8,875 examples.