The Jaguar F-Type has a broad competitive set.  As a new two-seater in the Jag range, the car aims to snag buyers from everyone from the Porsche 911 to the Mercedes-Benz SL.

In this R AWD Coupe guide, the closest rivals to the F-Type’s performance are easily the 911 Turbo and Nissan GT-R.

But in most of its trim lines, with pricing from about $80k, the F-Type aims to lure 911 C2S and perhaps even Aston Martin V8 Vantage owners into the big-cat den.

We came across a few of these fierce rivals this week while relishing every startup and throttle jab of the F-Type.  The quality of these photos is slightly lacking due to their iPhone cameraorigins.  But even so, they offer a nice view of the F-Type’s size, grace and style versus these two arch-nemeses: the 911 GTS and Aston Vantage.

First learnings on a 911 rendezvous?  How almost-exact the dimensions of the two cars are — barring their width.  Visually, the Jaguar feels and looks far wider and only slightly taller than this $148k 911 GTS.  Similar visual impact versus the Aston: the Jag is a bit more formal with a longer hoodline, but a far more aggressive and modern overall look.   Around back, the Aston hides its hatchback design a bit more effectively than the Jaguar.  They share many similarities in overall scale and rear haunches.  But everywhere the Aston Vantage looks tired — its lights, detailing, exhausts and overall mood — the Jag is firmly a 2016 look.

Real advantages for the Jag in back-end style come from its slimline, wraparound LED lights.  These create a sumptuous, near-concept-car look from the side and when viewed from the rear.  All this helps the Jag look lower, wider and far more erotic than the Aston parked beside it.

Intro bonus?  A buddy who is 6-foot, 5-inches tall.  Fitting and ready to flog the Jag… if not exactly free to do yoga poses once in its very sporty cabin.

2016 Jaguar F-Type Coupe Meets Its Rivals

F-Type with 911 GTS

F-Type with Aston Vantage

 

2016 Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupe