Jaguar Classic Cars Collide: S-Type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 Litre R

BMC went up in the world with the opulent Vanden Plas 4 litre R, with Rolls Royce power bringing it up against Jaguar’s everyman S type 3 4

A Classic Look: Exploring the History of Jaguars

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

Jaguar is a British luxury vehicle manufacturer that has been producing cars since the 1930s. The company is known for its sleek and stylish designs, high-performance engines, and rich history.

Jaguar was founded in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company by Sir William Lyons and William Walmsley. The company initially produced motorcycle sidecars before moving into car manufacturing. In 1935, the company changed its name to Jaguar Cars Ltd.

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

In the 1950s and 1960s, Jaguar produced some of its most iconic models, including the XK120, the Mark II, and the E-Type. The E-Type, in particular, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Jaguar struggled financially, and the company was purchased by Ford in 1989. Under Ford’s ownership, Jaguar introduced several new models, including the X-Type and the S-Type.

In 2008, Jaguar was sold to Indian car manufacturer Tata Motors, which has continued to produce new models under the Jaguar name. Today, Jaguar produces a range of luxury vehicles, including the F-Type sports car, the XJ full-size sedan, and the F-Pace SUV.

Despite its ups and downs over the years, Jaguar has remained a beloved brand among car enthusiasts, thanks in large part to its iconic designs and high-performance engines.

Exploring the Differences: S-Type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 Litre R

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

The S-Type 3.4 and Vanden Plas 4 Litre R are two classic Jaguar cars with distinct differences in terms of design, performance, and features.

The S-Type 3.4 was produced between 1963 and 1968 and was designed as a mid-sized sports saloon car. It featured a 3.4-liter engine capable of producing 210 horsepower, which could accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds. The S-Type 3.4 had a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a curved front grille and four headlights that gave it a distinctive look.

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

On the other hand, the Vanden Plas 4 Litre R was produced between 1989 and 1994 and was designed as a luxury saloon car. It featured a 4.0-liter engine capable of producing 240 horsepower, which could accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Vanden Plas 4 Litre R had a more formal and elegant design, with a squared-off grille and sharp edges that gave it a refined look.

In terms of features, the Vanden Plas 4 Litre R had a more luxurious interior, with leather seats and wood trim, while the S-Type 3.4 had a more sporty interior, with bucket seats and a wooden steering wheel. The Vanden Plas 4 Litre R also had more advanced features for its time, such as air conditioning, power windows, and a premium sound system.

Overall, the S-Type 3.4 and Vanden Plas 4 Litre R are two classic Jaguar cars that catered to different markets. The S-Type 3.4 was designed for the mid-sized sports saloon market, while the Vanden Plas 4 Litre R was designed for the luxury saloon market. Both cars had unique features that set them apart from each other, making them desirable classics for collectors and enthusiasts.

Power Under the Hood: Comparing Performance Capabilities

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

When it comes to the power under the hood, the Vanden Plas 4 Litre R is a clear winner. It comes with a 4.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 245 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds.

On the other hand, the S-Type 3.4 comes with a 3.4-liter inline-six engine that produces 210 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 11.9 seconds.

So, while both cars have a six-cylinder engine, the Vanden Plas 4 Litre R has a larger engine that produces more power and torque, allowing for better acceleration and overall performance.

Design Features: Inside and Out

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

Both the S-Type 3.4 and Vanden Plas 4 Litre R were designed with the sleek and sporty look that Jaguar is known for. The S-Type 3.4, first introduced in 1963, featured a compact body with rounded lines and a sloping rear end. The Vanden Plas 4 Litre R, released in 1989, had a more angular body style with sharp edges and a boxier shape.

In terms of interior design, the S-Type 3.4 had a more simplistic design with a leather interior and wood accents. The Vanden Plas 4 Litre R, on the other hand, had a more luxurious interior with plush leather seats, wood trim, and chrome accents.

Both models came equipped with a range of features such as power windows, power steering, and air conditioning, though the Vanden Plas 4 Litre R offered additional features like a premium sound system, heated seats, and a trip computer.

The Money Factor: Investigating the Total Cost

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

When comparing the S-Type 3.4 and Vanden Plas 4 Litre R, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership. Both cars are classic models and may require maintenance and repairs, which can be costly.

The S-Type 3.4 was produced from 1963 to 1968 and is considered a more affordable classic Jaguar option. While it may be cheaper to purchase initially, it may require more maintenance and repairs due to its age.

Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle
Classic & Sports Car – Jaguar S-type 3.4 vs Vanden Plas 4 litre R – meeting in the middle

The Vanden Plas 4 Litre R was produced from 1984 to 1987 and is a more luxurious and expensive option. It may require less maintenance and repairs due to its newer production year, but the initial cost to purchase may be higher.

It’s important to consider the cost of parts, labor, and specialized mechanics when owning a classic car. It’s recommended to set aside a budget for regular maintenance and unexpected repairs. Additionally, classic car insurance may be more expensive than standard car insurance, so that is another cost to consider.

Overall, the total cost of ownership for a classic Jaguar like the S-Type 3.4 or Vanden Plas 4 Litre R will depend on the condition of the car and how well it has been maintained over the years.

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