I am in the market for a Jaguar F-type. I’m not real concerned about the year but would rather find something with low mileage. My initial search was for an eight cylinder but I’m not sure I need that much power and the cost seems to be significantly higher. I started looking at six cylinders but am coming across some comments in reviews that the four cylinders don’t have much less power. Is that true? Or should I rule them out? Also, I get the hp difference, but how much difference does the supercharger make on a six cylinder?

 

I bought a 2017 v6 premium in 2020 with 24k miles. It's a manual transmission, has the adaptive headlights, auto climate. With the supercharger, the 6 has more than enough get up n go. If you find a 2017 or earlier , check for the old style, flanged coolant pipes, they're a problem, you can read up on it on this forum. The sound system will disappoint if you are an audiophile, but plenty of upgrade info here. The car is a delight to drive, a modern companion for my 69 E. Be sure to get the CarFax, hopefully any issues will be listed and so much the better if there aren't any. Don't buy a flood or salvage car, even if you think you can manage the repairs, not worth the hassle for a lower price. Have fun looking!,

 

Four cylinder = 300 PS
Base model F-Type V6 = 340 PS
F-Type V6S = 380 PS
Older F-Type R = 550 PS
Newer F-Type R (and SVR) = 575 PS.
1 PS = .9863 horsepower so reduce all figures above by around 1.4% for horsepower.

So the four-potter is only 40 PS down on the base V6 so you could say "not much less".

The four-potter has a twin-scroll turbo while the V6 has a (smallish) supercharger so both are forced induction and not a helluva lot different.
The V6 being supercharged has almost no lag while from all reports the four-potter has a little bit of lag, but not as much as many turbo motors as it is twin-scroll.

Also the V6 is easily and fairly cheaply tuned to 450/475 HP while I'm not aware of any off the shelf upgrades/tunes for the four-potter.

 

I've got the V6 S: wouldn't want less power, don't need more.

 

Drive both and make an informed choice.

 

I had the base model 2018 V-6 tuned to 380 HP and loved it. I sold it and ordered and took delivery of the 2022 base V-8 with 444HP, removed fuse 15 and love it even more. Get a V-8 and never regret it.

 

OzXFR gives a good summary of the engine choices.

Overall, people on the forum like whatever version they got, although there are notably fewer votes on the 4-Cylinder than the V6/V8. In that vein, I'm happy with my V6-S. I sort of feel that the V6 falls on the sports car side of the equation, while the V8 leans more to muscle car. You'll also find debates on coupe vs convertible. Again, everyone seem to like what they got. (Ironically, when the F-Type first came out, there was no coupe. I waited almost a year for the coupe, but ended up buying the 'vert.)

You can tune a base V6 above mine, but there are a couple of other features that come with the "S." There's little enough tuning headroom above the stock "S" that I haven't gone that route. I personally don't like turbo lag, so wouldn't be interested in the 4-banger. Same great looks, but less fun.

One other notation, I rather enjoy the play of having RWD, but if I were to get a V8, I'd want AWD to go with the extra HP.

Good luck!

 

If I remember correctly, there was a thread not too long ago about the interior qualities related to the different versions of F-Types -- the 4 cylinder versions didn't have the same quality of materials used in the cockpit, some complained that it felt like it had too much plastic, seats were lower spec, etc.
4 - banger F-Types were built to meet a lower budget, thus the budget materials. If a more luxurious cockpit is important to you, move up to the V6 platform.

 

I bought a 2018 v6 base with very low miles in mint condition and added VAP's Stage 1 tune [416hp] and lowered the car with H&R Sport Springs. I believe the car is near perfect for my purposes. The power increase was significant and the lowering got rid of almost all of the body roll sensation, and although the ride is rougher, it handles incredibly well [and the lower posture looks great, as well]. I am not an aggressive driver, so I find the hp bump to be more than adequate and really enjoy every corner.

 

I once had a 1999 Corvette with 380hp and loved it. Plenty of power, and I had a blast in it. However, I now have a '16 R, with 550hp, and it is intoxicating. You will be happy with the V6S. Jeremy Clarkson just bought one having driven all the variants because he thinks the R is "obscene". I love mine, but I can see why a person would think the way Jeremy does, especially towards a V8 RWD model. If you've ever driven a M- BMW in the rain, you will know the problem of which I speak. V8 AWD is surefooted and perfect for my taste.

My advice is to drive the V6S and see if you love it. If you do, don't drive an R. If it doesn't quite have enough power that you know for a fact that you will be satisfied, then go test drive an R.

 

We V8ers are just plain shellfish! (I'll get my coat ...)

 

what do you mean - removed fuse 15?

 

If you can't leave whelk enough alone, you should clam up.

 

Fuse 15 on the newer cars (and fuse 43 on the older ones) controls the exhaust valve circuitry. Removing the fuse keeps the exhaust valves open all the time which makes the car louder in almost all circumstances. And a heck of a lot more fun.

 

Have the V6S. Amazing car...

Don't forget the V6's had shorter gearing than the V8's.....matters to me. And no e-diff....standard LSD. Less weight too - The v6 feels more nimble - drove them once back-to-back....my impression. Bought the v6..

 

You'll have to type louder - I'm a little hard of herring. And don't carp!

 

Tough question.. as 4 Cylinder guys are brought low, V6 guys mostly love what they have, and V8 guys are like, "why would you ever do anything less?"

I will add several thoughts.

1. When new, there was a very large price difference. Used, that difference shrinks dramatically. I purchased low mile 2014 V8 S convertible loaded with all the options for $43k (sticker price was $106k). Most of the added options (black pack, sport pack w/ seats, brakes, steering wheel, active exhaust, extended leather, BSM, Auto HB, adaptive lighting, top Meridian Sound, etc) were nearly free. Car was immaculate. I could have found a similar V6 S.. but not that much cheaper.

2. Read these forums.. many V6 guys end up spending big $$ at Velocity AP (or competitors) for pully kits, 200 cel cats, tunes, etc trying to get a bit more juice. V8 is a very inexpensive and proper upgrade for the V6. Yes.. you can tune it and do the same things.. if you REALLY want over the top.

3. I love the V8. V6 sounds great.. V8 sounds better. That said.. I think it less important than the extra options. My must have options were the Sport pack (seats, brakes, steering wheel, active exhaust) and the Meridian Surround. Also.. get the color you love.

4. If you don't see your car, be patient and try multiple sites. While you watch and wait, you will become expert on today's pricing vs various builds.

 

All valid points but I need to correct you on point 2.
A VAP pulley and tune does not involve big $$ and IMHO it is far and away the best bang for your buck to improve the torque/power/performance/throttle response/drivability of the V6.
The extra cost is waaaaay less than the premium required to buy a used R over a used S, well at least here in Oz where a used R is around $50,000 more than an equivalent used S (roughly 140k vs 90k feeble Oz bucks) . I should know, I have checked the prices two or three times a week every week for the past eight years!

 

If you tune a V6 you don't exceed the tranny's capacity. If you tune a V8, you do.

V6 sound: 1970's F1.
V8 sound: American muscle car with an aftermarket exhaust.

The v6 has shorter gears....make it 475 or 550 hp....it is quick.

Key options: panoramic roof....coupe of course.

 

So says the owner of a V6. The "aftermarket" is a lot overblown.

It would be so much easier if I hadn't driven an R after the V6. Chalk and cheese.

I'm sold on the R. It would be so much easier (and less $$$) to find a blue or green 2016-18 car if I was in love with the V6!
Sadly I'm not