In the world of classic vehicles, few names evoke the same level of awe and admiration as the Jaguar E-Type. Renowned for its striking design and exhilarating performance, the E-Type holds a special place among automotive enthusiasts. In this article, we delve into the realm of performance, exploring how the Jaguar E-Type stacks up against other iconic classic vehicles. We examine the power, acceleration, and handling characteristics of the E-Type, drawing comparisons to its contemporaries and even some modern sports cars. Discover the sheer thrill and timeless allure of the Jaguar E-Type as we uncover its performance prowess and its place in automotive history.

The Jaguar E-Type is an Iconic Sports Car 

There’s no denying that the Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic sports cars ever made. Allegedly, competitor Enzo Ferrari even dubbed the British sports car “the world’s most beautiful car” after first laying eyes on it in the early-1960s. Spurred from the Jaguar D-Type, the racing car which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three straight years in the mid-1950s, the Jaguar E-Type first began production in 1961. The E-Type stayed in production until 1975, when the E-Type was replaced by its successor, the Jaguar XJS.

During its initial production from 1961 to 1974, the E-Type was released in three Series options as either a coupe or a roadster. The Series 1 E-Types were produced from 1961 to 1968, the Series 2 E-Types were released from 1968 to 1971, and the Series 3 from 1971 to 1974. Looking at the two available style options, the coupe features a hatchback look, whereas the roadster was introduced as a two-seat convertible. The first E-Types were powered by 3.8-liter six-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engines. However, the 3.8-liter engines were replaced by 4.2-liter engines by October 1964. While both engines allowed the E-Type to reach a top speed of 150 mph, the 4.2-liter engine increased torque by 18 percent from 240 to 283 lb-ft.

How Does the Jaguar E-Type Stack Up?

The original Jaguar E-Types could reach a top speed of 150 mph and hit 0 to 60 mph in sub-7 seconds. In comparison to other sports cars of the day, the E-Type usually wins the competition when it comes to speed and performance. For example, take the Corvette 327 Stingray vs. the Jaguar E-Type. While both sports cars can hit 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, the Stingray tops out at 121 mph compared to the E-Type’s 150 mph.

Another popular sports car of the day was the Porsche 911. This German sports car has actually been in continuous production since 1964. While iconic in its own right, it simply can’t compare to the Jaguar E-Type. In comparison to an E-Type’s speed and performance, a 1964 Porsche 911 could reach 0 to 60 mph in just 8.3 seconds and could hit a top speed of around 130 mph. In this comparison, the E-Type inches forward once again.

The Aston Martin DB4, produced from 1958 to 1963, is a grand tourer that gives the E-Type a run for its money. While the vehicle is certainly a comparable British icon, the Aston Martin DB4 falls short of the E-Type when it comes to speed and performance. While the classic E-Types could reach 60 mph in around just 7 seconds, the Aston Martin DB4 took around 9 seconds to achieve the same acceleration. As noted, the original E-Type could reach a top speed of 150 mph, whereas the Aston Martin DB4 reaches a top speed of around 140 mph.

All in all, it seems that the Jaguar E-Type was simply one of the highest-performing and fastest sports cars of its generation. In addition, with a fully custom Jaguar E-Type from ECD, the restored E-Types can even compete with the power and performance of modern sports cars. At ECD, each Jaguar E-Type restoration project is built to our client’s exact specifications. Every client has the opportunity to power their E-Type with either a historic drivetrain, a 450 hp LT1 drivetrain, or a 450 hp Electric drivetrain. Both the coupe and the roadster custom ECD builds start at $289,995, regardless of drivetrain selection.

Get a Fully Custom Jaguar E-Type From ECD Today 

At ECD, we specialize in bringing new life and blending modern conveniences into iconic British vehicles like the Land Rover Defender, Range Rover Classic, and Jaguar E-Type. So, whether you’re looking to add a reimagined D110, an RRC, or an E-Type to your garage, the team at ECD can turn your classic car dreams into a reality.

So, are you ready to get behind the wheel of a powerful Jaguar E-Type? If so, contact us today to learn more about the design and build process. However, if you’d like to gain a little bit more inspiration for your build project, check out our showcase or our 3D Build Simulator to learn more about the endless possibilities that are available to you with an ECD build project.