Performance Review: Jaguar XK 140 SE - [1954]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jaguar XK Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jaguar XK 140 SE is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1954. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1954 Jaguar D Type 3.4L and the 1955 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series 1.This particular Jaguar XK has a 3442cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St6's includes the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965

The XK shares its Petrol St6 engine configuration with the likes of the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 and the . If you're looking for other fast cars which share the XK'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 1422 kgs (3134 lbs) this makes the Jaguar XK 140 SE in the same weight category as the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jaguar XK shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 3442cc 12V St6 engine produces 210 bhp (156 kW) @ 5750 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St6 throws out 213 lb-ft (288.7 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 McLaren Sabre 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (206 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 2017 BMW 5 Series 540d xDrive G30 (172.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jaguar XK.

The Jaguar XK has a Power to weight ratio of 147.6 bhp per ton and 149.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1954 XK competing with the 2017 BMW 5 Series 540d xDrive G30 (172.6 bhp per ton) or the 2007 Mazda 3 MPS 2.3T (172.6 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 XK generating around 149.7 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 2012 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 (174.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 1985 BMW 5 Series M5 E28 (174.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 11.00 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.4 secs, this made the Jaguar XK 140 SE as fast as the 2019 Ford Ranger Double Cab High Rider 3.2 TDCI (11.00 secs) the 2011 Dacia Sandero 1.6 16v (11.00 secs) the 1982 Vauxhall-Opel Manta 1.8 GT (11.00 secs) the or the 1982 Renault 11 GTX (11.00 secs). This Jaguar XK 140 SE is also faster than the 2006 Peugeot 207 1.6 16v (11.10 secs) the 1970 Ford Cortina MkIII 2000GT (11.10 secs) the 1968 Peugeot 504 1.8 8v (11.10 secs) the and the 2011 Aston-Martin Cygnet 1.3L Launch Edition (11.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the XK and the 1968 Alpine A110 1300

When talking about the performance of the Jaguar XK on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.47 secs @ 88.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1968 Alpine A110 1300 (15.40 secs), the 2019 Land-Rover Defender 110 3.0 Turbo (15.40 secs), and the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (15.41 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1954 version of the Jaguar XK 140 SE has a maximum speed of 129mph.

Top Speed of the 1954 XK equals the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1954 Jaguar XK 140 SE then how about the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph), the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (140 mph), or the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (140 mph).

Related Links:

1954 XK Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jaguar

Car Comparison