I was just wondering what the differences are between the two. Since in America they didn't bring the 1997. So i was wondering which model year was better and what are the significant changes. I know that the 95's were all short wheelbase's. Is the Long wheelbase more desired than the short wheelbase for the XJ12?
Thanks,
-Mike

 

I'm not aware of any significant differences...other than the wheelbase. As I recall from some "new product" literature (not in front of me at the moment) there were some minor wiring changes, thicker door glass....things like that. I *think* more equipment was available as well: heated/adjustable rear seat, for one example, perhaps?

Others will chime in.

Short vs. long is desirability is purely subjective as far as looks go. If you regularly carry rear seat passengers then the extra length would be meanigful, of course. The short car might be slightly more nimble on the curves; the long car might ride a bit more smoothly. <shrug>

Cheers
DD

 

there was no major changes to the 96 from 95......

 

You paid more for fuel in 96, a 95 might work out cheaper to run

 

Does anyone know if xj12's came with lambswool floor mats, when the car was brand new?

 

Yes they did as they had the Vanden Plas trim.

 

From what I have read the bigest changes were the wheel base, an extra 5" longer, also the stereo system was upgraded, the other changes have been mentioned, I think all 1996 models had a 5 speed auto box too, may be wrong as I am new to jag's
Harry

 

No, the 5-speed automatics were first used behind the V8 Jags.


Cheers
DD

 

Brief vs. lengthy is desirability is simply very subjective as far as looks go. If you consistently bring back chair travelers then the additional duration would be meanigful, of course. Rapid car might be a little bit more nimble on the curves; the lengthy car might drive a bit more easily.

 

1995s don't have a glovebox, but 96-7 do.

 

Correct, but only partially

Early 95s lacked the glovebox but later 95s had one. My 95 has one.

Not sure when the change was made. For some reason (not necessarily a good one) "December 1994" sticks out in my mind as when the glove box was re-introduced.

Cheers
DD

 

A few more things to add here to this old thread...

I was adding pictures to my garage and realized that the 96 XJ12s do not have the gold growler on the grille, like my 95 does! A small but very important detail, to me. I would have insisted on a gold one if it were 1996 and I were laying out $85,000 for an XJ12! Akin to the large gold growler on the bonnet of the last-gen XJS V12. A distinct touch of style.

The 96 did have heated rear seats standard, unlike the 95. We don't need them in Arizona (usually).

My very early 95 model is without glove box. I like the look, and there is a little better knee room for the passenger. Took some time design and fit a new glove box for the X300s, after filling the dashboard with airbag!

 

Hi does anyone no how much the 95 xj12 6 litres go for cus I cant find one anywhere in england iv got one but im just curious

 

Here in the states time has not been kind to these great motorcars. A higher mileage/rough shape one can be bought for as low as $2,000. A low mileage prestine example might fetch $5,000.

 

I've owned both a 1996 and presently a SWB 1995. I like the short 95 overall better because it's more spot XJR size but much smoother engine ! I've never seen a very nice one with under 70k miles for less than 8-9000? But you can get lucky. Mine I'm asking $8800.