Performance Review: Jaguar XJ R-S 6.0 V12 - [1989]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jaguar XJ Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jaguar XJ R-S 6.0 V12 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1989. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1989 Ferrari F40 LM Competizione 2.9 V8 Twin Turbo and the 1989 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10.This particular Jaguar XJ has a 5993cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12

The XJ shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the XJ's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe 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 1800 kgs (3968 lbs) this makes the Jaguar XJ R-S 6.0 V12 in the same weight category as the 2022 Aston-Martin Vantage V12 5.2 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jaguar XJ shares the same bhp with the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 5993cc 24V V12 engine produces 314 bhp (234 kW) @ 5250 rpm similar to the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 362 lb-ft (490.8 Nm) @ 3750 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (369 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (369 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 1995 BMW 3 Series M3 GT E36 (199.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jaguar XJ.

The Jaguar XJ has a Power to weight ratio of 174.4 bhp per ton and 201.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1989 XJ competing with the 1995 BMW 3 Series M3 GT E36 (199.3 bhp per ton) or the 1973 Ferrari 308 GT/4 3.0L V8 (199.2 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 201.1 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 2019 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy-R (225.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 1992 Maserati Shamal 3.2L V8 BiTurbo (225.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.7 secs, this made the Jaguar XJ R-S 6.0 V12 as fast as the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2018 Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6 R (6.50 secs) the or the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs). This Jaguar XJ R-S 6.0 V12 is also faster than the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (6.60 secs) the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI S-tronic Quattro Sportback (6.60 secs) the 2014 Audi A1 1.8 TFSI S-TRONIC (6.60 secs) the and the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TSI 2.0 Turbo (6.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the XJ and the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale 7.5L V8

When talking about the performance of the Jaguar XJ on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.76 secs @ 92.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale 7.5L V8 (14.70 secs), the 2007 Vauxhall-Opel Vectra 2.8T V6 VXR (14.70 secs), and the 2004 Honda S2000 2.2i (14.72 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1989 version of the Jaguar XJ R-S 6.0 V12 has a maximum speed of 160mph.

Top Speed of the 1989 XJ equals the 2018 Porsche Boxster T 2.0 Turbo 982 (171 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1989 Jaguar XJ R-S 6.0 V12 then how about the 2018 Porsche Boxster T 2.0 Turbo 982 (171 mph), the 2018 Porsche Boxster T 2.0 Turbo PDK 982 (171 mph), or the 2013 Jaguar F Type S 3.0 V6 (171 mph).

Related Links:

1989 XJ Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jaguar

Car Comparison