Performance Review: Jaguar XJ 8 4.2 V8 - [2004]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jaguar XJ Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jaguar XJ 8 4.2 V8 is the 6 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2004. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16 and the 2005 SSC Aero SC 8T 6.3L.This particular Jaguar XJ has a 4196cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The XJ shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the XJ's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1639 kgs (3613 lbs) this makes the Jaguar XJ 8 4.2 V8 in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jaguar XJ shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4196cc 32V V8 engine produces 300 bhp (223 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 310 lb-ft (420.3 Nm) @ 4100 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Jaguar XJ you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is (208.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jaguar XJ.

The Jaguar XJ has a Power to weight ratio of 183.0 bhp per ton and 189.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2004 XJ competing with the 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35is (208.0 bhp per ton) or the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X RS (207.7 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Jaguar XJ generating around 189.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1996 Lotus Esprit S4 3.5 V8 Turbo (214.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2004 Chrysler 300 6.1 SRT-8 (213.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.5 secs, this made the Jaguar XJ 8 4.2 V8 as fast as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (6.30 secs) the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (6.30 secs) the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo 5 door (6.30 secs) the or the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (6.30 secs). This Jaguar XJ 8 4.2 V8 is also faster than the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2012 Subaru Forester STi tS 2.5L Turbo (6.40 secs) the and the 2011 Honda Civic 2.0i 16v VTEC Type R - FN2 (6.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the XJ and the 2006 Mini Cooper S Works GP

When talking about the performance of the Jaguar XJ on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.54 secs @ 94.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2006 Mini Cooper S Works GP (14.48 secs), the 2020 Audi A3 S3 Saloon (14.48 secs), and the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 DSG (14.49 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2004 version of the Jaguar XJ 8 4.2 V8 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2004 XJ equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2004 Jaguar XJ 8 4.2 V8 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2004 XJ Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jaguar

Car Comparison