R107=Absolute icon, will never be surpassed for elegance, class, desirability, quality athough the early ones do rust. As the car was designed for the US, the impact bumpers actually suited it, I prefer the US look, btw the 560SL was only available in the US.
You are wrong regarding 560SL being produced only for the US market.. The 560SL was also made for and sold in Japanese and Australian markets. I see a number of them in Sydney, but they did sell if fewer numbers due to the prohibitive cost. I think the US bumpers (surfboards) and headlights completely ruin the lines of the car, just my opinion
@@christophers7070 my omission, you’re right on Japan and Australia Appearance is a personal thing, the debate between US and European spec appearance has its supporters
As a former owner of a R107 300SL I wouldn’t call it slow. The M103 loves to rev and yes you need to use the rev range to make up for lower torque than the V8s. But the sound of the straight 6 at 6000rpm is fantastic and has an urgency the V8s lack. I owned a 380SLC as well which was a bit more practical and beautiful with the pillarless windows down but still preferred the 300SL. Both had to go when kids arrived and were replaced by a 300SE W126 which is keeping classic family motoring on the road!
OK... I've owned 3 107s, all v8s, and I was General Manager of a Jaguar dealership in the late-1980s, so I am quite familiar with the two cars. The most memorable thing about the SLs was the build quality and the lack of mechanical problems (I never had a single-row 380), although the 560 was fast, if not exactly sporting. The cars were easily serviced and trouble-free. The XJ was another matter. As a dealer, were were constantly receiving service bulletins on the V12s (the 6s in the US post-dated my involvement with the dealership), and there were some VERY serious issues. For instance, in 1984-5 therre was a fuel hose problem that could, literally, cause the car to catch fire and burn to the ground. However, on the open road the XJ had few peers. It would run all day at 100mph in smooth silence. Mind you, the fuel economy wasn't commendable, but this was not an inexpensive or economy car; the owners could afford the mileage. The meintenance costs were another matter. I always insisted that both sales and service personnel explain to customers that this was a complex automobile that was not inexpensive to maintain. Still, I was regularly confronted by owners who were appalled by the repair/maintenance bills, especially the 30k mile servicing. I drove an XJS as my "demonstrator", but I've never owned one; I bought the SLs with my own money. Nuff said!
For a short time around 10 years ago I owned a 1988 XJ-SC with the V-12, as a second car. Beautiful white, with blue interior and top. As far as a convertible feel about it, it was fantastic; very secure and proper. I said I had it for a short time. I was one of the lucky few to have little to no mechanical troubles with the engine. Being the worrier that I am, I sold it because as beautiful as it was, and it drove just beautifully, I felt like I was one drive away from having her towed to the shop. For the past three years I have what I think is the perfect second car for me, a low mile 1995 MB E320 convertible. Definitely not a sports car, but built like a tank, reliable, and glides down the freeway. I wish I had more money and time as European classic cars, when they run, put a smile on my face!
I think that is the perfect conclusion. This is a terrific H2H but, because it's the cabriolet and not the convertible (and I can barely believe I'm saying it)... I'd go for the Merc too. Fortunate for Merc that this is one of their most complete and attractive designs. I couldn't say that about most Merc's...
So true. So poetic. “Perhaps be careful if you meet your heroes. Sometimes they don’t live up to expectations. But I’ve got to say, driving this one today… I think I’ve just hit the jackpot. It’s fantastic. I love it.”
Jaguar without even thinking (but a later V12 model please fully convertible): better looking, far more presence and much more character and charisma. One of the classiest cars ever made.
Forgetting the engines and gearboxes etc the Jag looks like the loveable rakish rogue out of the two cars.The mercs looks a bit sensible and paying attention to its teacher at school.The Jag however was more likely twanging a plastic rule against its desk paying no attention at all.
I prefer the sytling of the Merc (have always liked the looks of the R107 SL) but I'd pick the Jag due to its more sporting handling and better straightline performance. If buying an XJS though I would go for the Coupe as I agree the styling of the XJSC works from some angles but not others.
Both have a great following however both need their bigger engine equivalents to really make them perform well and in character. Merc absolutely needs the 5.0 or 5.6 V8 to give it nice effortless power, jag needs the 5.3 V12 to give it the sublime power it needs too …. Both these cars look in good condition however the base model engines are just to hohum now…
great review but why is the R107 slow? it just does everything effortlessly and can be driven relaxed and quickly! Please look under the hood maybe enginge swap with a 200 D's engine?
@@paulie-Gualtieri. All things considered, I probably would too. The 0-60 of a manual 3.6 is about the same as the 0-60 of an auto V12. You'll get mid-high 20s on a run in a manual 3.6. mid-teens in an auto V12. On a 300 mile trip, that's about £50 _difference_ in fuel costs. However, I'd love a 5-speed manual conversion of a V12. _a la_ Harry's Garage XJC.
The Merc is far superior if you own the Jag you always have to have your bus fare home they were so unreliable. Better than both by far in my opinion is the 3rd generation of the R129 in 320 or 500 mode.
The Mercedes is German. Solid, you say. But for me, sterile and bland. It appeals, perhaps, to the brain. The Jaguar is English. Flawed, of course. But adorable. It certainly appeals to the eye, to the heart.
Ouch, those panel gaps on the Jag, it truly looks like it was screwed together at three separate joints (a small miracle that one has survived into 2023). Every vid on a British made car in summary: Brilliant concept. Poorly executed, cash strapped. No investment, no innovation for decades. Disappointing sales. RIP. 😢
Mercedes all day long the jag was a badly made load of junk by comparison albeit a lot of kerb appeal when new but I’d drive a 107 daily no problem at all today.
cannot believe you forgot the most famous TV owner - Bobby Ewing!
I was waiting for a Red R107 parked outside Southfork Ranch with Pam and Bobby 😎
R107=Absolute icon, will never be surpassed for elegance, class, desirability, quality athough the early ones do rust. As the car was designed for the US, the impact bumpers actually suited it, I prefer the US look, btw the 560SL was only available in the US.
You are wrong regarding 560SL being produced only for the US market.. The 560SL was also made for and sold in Japanese and Australian markets. I see a number of them in Sydney, but they did sell if fewer numbers due to the prohibitive cost. I think the US bumpers (surfboards) and headlights completely ruin the lines of the car, just my opinion
@@christophers7070 my omission, you’re right on Japan and Australia
Appearance is a personal thing, the debate between US and European spec appearance has its supporters
@@christophers7070 Hmmm. I should look for one.
As a former owner of a R107 300SL I wouldn’t call it slow. The M103 loves to rev and yes you need to use the rev range to make up for lower torque than the V8s. But the sound of the straight 6 at 6000rpm is fantastic and has an urgency the V8s lack. I owned a 380SLC as well which was a bit more practical and beautiful with the pillarless windows down but still preferred the 300SL. Both had to go when kids arrived and were replaced by a 300SE W126 which is keeping classic family motoring on the road!
Two of my favourite cars from the 80's. Now rightfully being appreciated once again.
OK... I've owned 3 107s, all v8s, and I was General Manager of a Jaguar dealership in the late-1980s, so I am quite familiar with the two cars. The most memorable thing about the SLs was the build quality and the lack of mechanical problems (I never had a single-row 380), although the 560 was fast, if not exactly sporting. The cars were easily serviced and trouble-free. The XJ was another matter. As a dealer, were were constantly receiving service bulletins on the V12s (the 6s in the US post-dated my involvement with the dealership), and there were some VERY serious issues. For instance, in 1984-5 therre was a fuel hose problem that could, literally, cause the car to catch fire and burn to the ground. However, on the open road the XJ had few peers. It would run all day at 100mph in smooth silence. Mind you, the fuel economy wasn't commendable, but this was not an inexpensive or economy car; the owners could afford the mileage. The meintenance costs were another matter. I always insisted that both sales and service personnel explain to customers that this was a complex automobile that was not inexpensive to maintain. Still, I was regularly confronted by owners who were appalled by the repair/maintenance bills, especially the 30k mile servicing. I drove an XJS as my "demonstrator", but I've never owned one; I bought the SLs with my own money. Nuff said!
My vote all the way for R107. What a magnificent creature. Enjoyed the in depth analysis.
For a short time around 10 years ago I owned a 1988 XJ-SC with the V-12, as a second car. Beautiful white, with blue interior and top. As far as a convertible feel about it, it was fantastic; very secure and proper. I said I had it for a short time. I was one of the lucky few to have little to no mechanical troubles with the engine. Being the worrier that I am, I sold it because as beautiful as it was, and it drove just beautifully, I felt like I was one drive away from having her towed to the shop. For the past three years I have what I think is the perfect second car for me, a low mile 1995 MB E320 convertible. Definitely not a sports car, but built like a tank, reliable, and glides down the freeway. I wish I had more money and time as European classic cars, when they run, put a smile on my face!
XJS for me
I think that is the perfect conclusion. This is a terrific H2H but, because it's the cabriolet and not the convertible (and I can barely believe I'm saying it)... I'd go for the Merc too.
Fortunate for Merc that this is one of their most complete and attractive designs. I couldn't say that about most Merc's...
Back when Mercedes designed and built cars properly.
So true. So poetic.
“Perhaps be careful if you meet your heroes. Sometimes they don’t live up to expectations. But I’ve got to say, driving this one today… I think I’ve just hit the jackpot. It’s fantastic. I love it.”
Both elegant, admirable and a pleasure to look at. The cars are nice too.
Jaguar without even thinking (but a later V12 model please fully convertible): better looking, far more presence and much more character and charisma. One of the classiest cars ever made.
Great comparison!
Forgetting the engines and gearboxes etc the Jag looks like the loveable rakish rogue out of the two cars.The mercs looks a bit sensible and paying attention to its teacher at school.The Jag however was more likely twanging a plastic rule against its desk paying no attention at all.
When dey met, it was moidah! Who can forget the SLs featured in ‘Hart to Hart’ - however, I’d drive home in the XJS - what a sublime car that was!
Maybe a Mercedes R107 driver will stop and give you a ride when the Jaguar breaks down which it will inevitably do frequently.
Both absolute design icons, achingly beautiful and utterly desirable. Sorry guys, I mean the Merc and the Jag, not you two 😲😂
Why thank y-oh, we see how it is!
@@ClassicsWorldUK 🤭
Hart 2 Hart, Knight Rider and Dempsey and Makepeace makes me an instant fan of this channel :)
I prefer the sytling of the Merc (have always liked the looks of the R107 SL) but I'd pick the Jag due to its more sporting handling and better straightline performance. If buying an XJS though I would go for the Coupe as I agree the styling of the XJSC works from some angles but not others.
Will take the Merc please.
What a ridiculously easy choice! Mercedes R107 is another world!
Very hard choice, but would go for the Mercedes too!
The 3.6 was also in the standard coupe
Lou guthrie motors. He's got good solid ones. Showroom class.
Both have a great following however both need their bigger engine equivalents to really make them perform well and in character. Merc absolutely needs the 5.0 or 5.6 V8 to give it nice effortless power, jag needs the 5.3 V12 to give it the sublime power it needs too …. Both these cars look in good condition however the base model engines are just to hohum now…
Dudes; take a breath when you present these cars.
Please Daimler Double 6, 1.Series vs Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3
XJSC also has a ladder suspension and rollbar for safety while you fly in your V12. Nothing like it and gives you more privacy.
I would have liked a 3rd contender - Porsche 928 S 4. A great grand tourer.
Funnily enough, there's a video coming on one of those!
great review but why is the R107 slow? it just does everything effortlessly and can be driven relaxed and quickly! Please look under the hood maybe enginge swap with a 200 D's engine?
It's certainly sedate progress, albeit smooth. The larger engines make the SL more of a performance machine, the 300 is most definitely a cruiser!
R107SL for me please, - I already have one! :D a 560.
His and Hers pair.
My heart says Jag,but my head says Merc.....
Great vid and the Jag's lovely, but 3D leaper ornament on anything younger than a MkII... 🤢
Jag for me, but with the larger engine variants.
You'd be getting about 16mpg at best.
The 3.6 is a great engine. I'd take it over the V12
@@paulie-Gualtieri.
All things considered, I probably would too.
The 0-60 of a manual 3.6 is about the same as the 0-60 of an auto V12.
You'll get mid-high 20s on a run in a manual 3.6. mid-teens in an auto V12.
On a 300 mile trip, that's about £50 _difference_ in fuel costs.
However, I'd love a 5-speed manual conversion of a V12. _a la_ Harry's Garage XJC.
The Merc is far superior if you own the Jag you always have to have your bus fare home they were so unreliable. Better than both by far in my opinion is the 3rd generation of the R129 in 320 or 500 mode.
The Mercedes is German. Solid, you say. But for me, sterile and bland. It appeals, perhaps, to the brain.
The Jaguar is English. Flawed, of course. But adorable. It certainly appeals to the eye, to the heart.
Mercedes Benz every time!
Merc no Jag. Changed my mind Merc. Wait a minute Jag. Merc is better built but Jag has more character. Final decision - Jag! 😁😁
Ouch, those panel gaps on the Jag, it truly looks like it was screwed together at three separate joints (a small miracle that one has survived into 2023).
Every vid on a British made car in summary:
Brilliant concept.
Poorly executed, cash strapped.
No investment, no innovation for decades.
Disappointing sales.
RIP. 😢
Check it out!
70s cool forever!
Merc all day long!
Mercedes all day long the jag was a badly made load of junk by comparison albeit a lot of kerb appeal when new but I’d drive a 107 daily no problem at all today.
I feel sorry for the merk. M
What tasteless person puts a leaper on an XJS?