Head to Head: Jaguar F-Type SVR v McLaren 540C

Value

Jaguar

This is an interesting contest from the outset, as it pits the range-topping Jaguar F-Type against the entry-level McLaren in a battle of British two-seater super coupes. Even though the flagship model developed by Jaguar's SVR high-performance division we're testing costs an extra $55K more than the V8 R all-wheel drive on which it is based, it is still $35k more affordable than the McLaren.

Justifying its position at the top of the range, it comes fully loaded with exclusive performance seats cloaked in quilted leather and fake suede highlights throughout the cabin, as well as the latest multimedia system with Bluetooth, sat nav, internet apps and smartphone mirroring.

The SVR treatment is also applied to the exterior with unique front and rear bumpers, an active rear wing, wider front guards and wider wheels and tyres while the mechanical package has been massaged for more power and improved handling.

McLaren

The 540C goes the other way, in that McLaren has de-tuned its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and de-specced the car of items such as carbon brakes that are standard on the higher-grade 570S and the tricky interlinked hydraulic suspension of the next-level 650S. But it is more sophisticated than the Jag in its carbon fibre construction and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Like the Jag, it comes with a leather-trimmed cabin and McLaren's own multimedia system.

Winner

Jaguar

Inside

Jaguar

The F-Type's cabin is more theatrical in its design thanks to elements such as the air vents that reveal themselves once you've pushed the pulsating starter button. There's also a bronze anodised treatment applied to some of the switchgear, fake suede on the dash top and steering wheel, body coloured stitching in the quilted seats and a colourful multimedia system, all of which combine to make the SVR stand out a bit more.

While it's mostly top-shelf stuff in terms of materials, there's still plastic elements that carry over from the fact the cheapest F-Type costs just over $100k.

It's a pretty cosy place to sit too, with the front-engined layout creating a large centre tunnel that separates the driver from the passenger, and there's not much space under the hatch in the boot.

McLaren

The 540C's cabin looks and feels much more Spartan than the Jag, but also more purposeful and exclusive.

For starters, it has a fully digital instrument display that changes the layout depending on what driving mode you're in, the steering wheel has a thinner rim that feels just right and it isn't littered with buttons, and the portrait-style multimedia display is unique to McLaren with simple graphics.

The seating position is also set lower, the view out of the front windscreen is more expansive and there's a decent amount of space for a couple of day bags behind the seats before you even think about chucking stuff in its front-mounted boot.

But its carbon fibre construction and dihedral-opening doors make it more awkward to get in and out of the cabin.

Winner

McLaren

Engine

Jaguar

The Special Vehicles Operation has overhauled the front-mounted 5.0-litre supercharged V8 to eek out more power and torque, elevating its peak outputs to 423kW and 700Nm from 404kW/680Nm in the regular F-Type V8 R, which demands the standard fitment of all-wheel drive and a re-worked eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver it all to the ground effectively.

The powertrain combination ensures the SVR is among the fastest Jaguars ever produced with a top speed of 322km/h and the ability to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds.

It also has a lightweight titanium exhaust that emits a exhaust note that sounds like the Ride of the Valkyries under acceleration, cracks and pops like a fireworks display on the over run and gargles obnoxiously at normal speeds.

It's a great engine that is full of character, responds instantly to throttle inputs and has a massive surge of power through the mid range, making it feel fast and flighty even in normal everyday situations.

Its biggest drawback is it is extremely thirsty, with a claimed average fuel consumption of 11.3L/100km that is near impossible to meet if you don't mix the odd long-legged country cruise even if you drive it like a grandpa around town. Tapping into its performance potential will easily double its consumption.

McLaren

The McLaren's mechanical package is a complete contrast to that of the Jaguar's. For starters it has the engine mounted behind, rather than in front of, the cabin, and it features twin turbo chargers instead of supercharger with a flat-plane crank configuration that allows it to rev higher.

It doesn't produce as much power as the Jaguar, generating 397kW and 540Nm, but that's only because McLaren de-tuned the motor specifically for the 540C as it is the same basic used in all other variants from the British sports car brand, and can produce up to 496kW and 700Nm in the most powerful non-hybrid model, the 675LT.

And it doesn't matter anyway, because the 540C is faster than the Jaguar to triple figures, clocking 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and tops out just 2km/h slower at 320km/h.

As for how it performs, it doesn't have the same degree of low-rev urgency as the F-Type but its power comes on more ferociously from 3000rpm when the turbos generate maximum boost. And, while it is loud under acceleration, it doesn't sound as good with a uniquely warbling note thanks in part to its flat-plane layout.

It is slightly more fuel efficient, with a claimed average of 10.7L/100km, but - again - it's a futile figure when you drive it like it's designed to be driven.

Winner

Jaguar

How it Drives

Jaguar

The F-Type already has some pretty sharp claws, but the SVR's are even more razor-like with revised suspension settings, wider front and rear tyres and improved aerodynamics.

The all-wheel drive system makes a big difference in taming its power delivery, and the rear-biased system is fairly neutral and invisible in how it reacts, which ensures the steering isn't ruined by torque steer and the car can still power slide out of tight corners on a racetrack.

But, despite a significant diet that has seen the SVR lose up to 50kg over the V8 R, it remains a heavyweight as far as sports cars are concerned and it requires patience and poise to extract its ultimate performance at the limit.

At the opposite end of the driving spectrum, the softer front anti-roll bar and more sophisticated adaptive damper settings make it more compliant than the R over bumps, particularly in its default comfort setting.

The eight-speed auto shifts nicely too, and the steering has a linear weight across the ratio but it has a rather large turning circle.

McLaren

The 540C instantly feels more like a genuine supercar rather than a grand tourer like the Jaguar.

The steering is delicate and beautifully poised, with instant response and more natural feedback, and its mid-engined layout ensures it has a phenomenal level of grip in the corners.

Switching the Active Panel to the full hard-core track modes for the powertrain and chassis (which can be adjusted separately) reveals a supremely fast car that is equally as challenging and as it is rewarding to drive quickly - as a supercar should - with predictable mid-engined characteristics.

Turn it all down, or simply de-activate the Panel to return to default settings, and the 540C is surprisingly comfortable around town. Sure, it's natural character is stiffer than the Jaguar but the gearbox shifts quickly and seamlessly into top gear and the engine easily lopes around under 1500rpm making it seem effortless even in heavy traffic.

Winner

McLaren

X-Factor

Jaguar

The SVR is the best of the best from Jaguar and amplifies everything that is already great about the F-Type, from its drop-dead gorgeous shape to its performance and the soundtrack is makes.

Whether that makes it more special than a genuine supercar is purely subjective. In any case, it is a real head-turner.

McLaren

Conversely, the 540C could be seen as the poor man's McLaren among those that know what it is.

But there is no denying that it is a genuine supercar from a genuine supercar brand with an ethos that is dictated by engineering perfection.

Its exclusivity and dramatic styling also plays into its favour.

Winner

McLaren

Verdict

Jaguar

It really is a luxury of riches if you had to choose between these two, as they are both excellent examples of British sports cars.

The Jaguar is more traditional, in its front-engined layout and E-Type inspired design, and will appeal to those enthusiasts that want the ultimate Jaguar.

Its cheaper price tag is more attractive in this contest, the engine produces a soundtrack that will annoy the neighbours and yet make your mates envious, and it is a great car to drive. But it is more of a wicked-up GT machine than a supercar.

McLaren

The 540C wins the Battle of Britain here. It is more modern, more special and more exclusive. That is costs more is probably a moot point for those willing and able to drop over $300k on a weekend play toy.

Winner

McLaren

2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Price and Specifications

Price: $289,305 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol

Power: 423kW at 

Torque: 700Nm at

Transmission: 8-spd automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 11.3L/100km

2017 McLaren 540C Price and Specifications

Price: From $331,500 driveaway

Engine: 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol

Power: 397kW at 7500rpm

Torque: 540Nm at 3500-6500rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Fuel use: 10.7L/100km