Jaguar F-Type SVR vs Porsche 911 Turbo

According to Jaguar, the new F-Type SVR is ‘the 200mph all-weather supercar’. That’s the bold claim for the most hardcore model in the F-Type range, and it opens it up to some strong competition – most notably from Porsche.

For years, the German brand’s 911 Turbo has laid claim to the title of the supercar you can use in all conditions. But now, it seems, the iconic machine has some genuine competition from the SVR. Both are four-wheel drive, helping to put their prodigious power down on slippery roads to improve their usability, but neither is cheap.

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In coupe form, the F-Type SVR will set you back £110,000, while the Porsche is even pricier, at £127,630. It’s also down on power compared with the Jaguar, but the 911 has a few tricks up its sleeves that could put paid to the SVR’s challenge.

With its 2+2 layout, the 911 Turbo is pretty practical for a 200mph supercar, while clever tech like four-wheel steering means it has the engineering to back up its high-performance claims.

But Jaguar has given the F-Type a thorough reworking as part of the SVR upgrade, so this contest will be close.

• Jaguar F-Type R vs Ford Mustang

Head to head

Noise

A new SVR exhaust means this F-Type is the noisiest ever. The set-up is switchable, so you can quieten it down for town cruising, but push the throttle hard and the engine roars again. By contrast, the Turbo whistles and whooshes over a mechanical flat-six rasp, but there’s no sports exhaust to release a few more decibels.

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Design

While the F-Type references the E=Type, Jaguar’s break from out-and-out sports cars in the intervening years gives a clean, distinctive look. The 911 has been in production since 1963: it’s evolved, but the shape and 2+2 rear-engined concept remains.

Technology

Porsche has addressed some key areas as part of this minor update to the 991 generation 911. The latest infotainment system and standard LED headlights certainly help keep the car fresh until a full facelift is carried out next year.

Results

First place: Porsche 911 Turbo

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The 911 Turbo has less power but more pace than the F-Type, while in this market costs are less of an issue – although the 911 is surprisingly efficient. It delivers a hugely engaging drive, thanks to trick tech such as four-wheel steering. Factor in 2+2 practicality, decent load space, staggering performance and incredible usability, and the Turbo’s updated infotainment is the icing on the cake.

Second place: Jaguar F-Type SVR

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The SVR is even finer to drive than the regular F-Type R AWD. It’s still not as good as the 911, or as well finished, but it delivers the feel good factor in spades and packs even more character into that stylish but subtly enhanced body. You can’t help but smile at the noise, either, althought it might be too much for some to live with – even if the SVR’s more compliant ride won’t be. 

Also consider:

Audi R8 V10

Price: £119,520

Engine: 5.2-litre V10, 533bhp

Audi’s R8 V10 produces similar power to the Porsche – but its thunderous 5.2-litre V10 does without turbos, and sounds glorious. Four-wheel drive and a snappy seven-speed dual clutch box are standard, while a mid-engined layout gives it something extra over the SVR.

Mercedes-AMG GT S

Price: £111,495

Engine: 4.0-litre V8, 503bhp

The GT S’s 4.0-litre V8 shows rivals how a modern turbo should perform, as it has all the thunder you expect from AMG. Twitchy steering and a wide body make the Mercedes a handful on tight roads, but it’s a decent cruiser. Its hatchback gives practicality to rival the Jag.

Facts and figures