New Porsche 911 vs Jaguar XKR

Verdict

This was always going to be a bruising encounter. The Porsche 911 is a sports car legend, while the sleek and powerful Jaguar has the performance to humble much more expensive supercars. So, which one of our duo takes the spoils?

The Jaguar is certainly in with a shout. Its characterful V8 provides unrivalled real-world performance, while its sleek looks still have the ability to turn heads. Further boosting its chances are a classy and well equipped cabin, impeccable manners on the motorway and a hair-raising soundtrack from the exhaust.

Even a short drive in the 911 is enough to confirm that the rear-engined model’s magic remains. The iconic looks and familiar howl from the flat-six engine are both present and correct. But it’s the way the Porsche drives that sets it apart.

Its controls are beautifully weighted and full of feedback, while staggering grip and beautiful balance make it a rapid and rewarding choice for back-road blasts. But it’s the 911’s ability to mix this dynamic superiority with comfort, reasonable refinement and a dash of practicality that gives it the edge over the Jaguar in this contest.

It’s expensive, and we’d like more standard kit, but that isn’t enough to deny the Porsche victory.

Winner Porsche 911 Carrera S ★★★★★

Fans of the 911 can rest easy, as the latest model picks up the baton from its predecessor. It’s better than the car it replaces and its character has survived intact. While the PDK model is expected to account for the lion’s share of sales, we’d be tempted to stick with the manual – but the Carrera S is all the performance car you’ll ever need.

2ndJaguar XKR Coupe ★★★★

Dramatic straight-line speed is only part of the XKR’s appeal. The Jaguar matches effortless performance to a cosseting cabin and suprisingly practical hatchback body. It’s a fine GT, at its best cruising on motorways and sweeping A-roads, but it doesn’t provide enough B-road thrills to rival the Porsche as a genuine sports car.