Hi All. Does anyone can relate how 2011 XJ RWD, regular 5.0 v8 with 6 speed automatic, compares to 2013 XJ AWD, regular v6 3.0 with 8 speed automatic regarding pickup/feel/fuel consumption?

The RWD is slightly lighter, has a bit more power/torque but has only 6 speed transmission. The v6 AWD is a bit heavier, slightly less power but has better (?) 8 speed transmission.

Does that 8 speed gives AWD an edge in driving/pickup/shifting despite being "underpowered"? or it is a wash?
Basically, I'm looking for which combination feels better v8/6 speed vs v6/8 speed.

p.s. Unfortunately, can't do test driving at the moment myself.

Cheers and thanks.

 

I think you will need to perform this comparison yourself. Driveability is subjective. The only thing that matters is how the car feels to you. Your XJ driving experience will be greatly influenced by what other vehicles you own or test.

 

Go with neither, get a V8 Supercharged with the 8 speed. DO NOT settle for anything less.

 

lol. I wish I could go with SC 5.0. Unfortunately, the reality is different from our wishes.

Back to the subject, I scouted internet but could only find some discussion about difference between 6 speed and the 8 speed on XFR forums. Basically, some people liked 6 speed for better shifting points while others liked 8 speed for having extra 2 gears with lower revs at higher speeds.
But that is for a different vehicle and I'm not sure if that observation can be reflected on XJ, especially if you throw RWD vs AWD into the equation.
Unfortunately, there are no XJs in my area at the moment (I test drove AWD in the past). I have two prospects (RWD and AWD) that would be a "remote" buy [I am aware of all the downsides of it] - COVID reality....

 

go with the newer and younger car of the two then - just be aware that you have an extra differential and transfer case to fail with the AWD one, and the 2011 V8 will be old and possibly have imminent issues due to age

 

typically i say go with the newer car, however having had both of those cars....there's no comparison, the V8 is better than the V6, hands down. will the V6 disappoint? yes if you're looking for some spirited driving. if you're putzing around down, its fine. I tend to keep in in Dynamic mode because its a little laggy in normal

 

Thanks guys

 

I have a 2015 V6 AWD with the VAP tune which according to VAP makes 416 HP. It certainly has no problems with spirited driving and will get you locked up here in North Carolina. The car loves to go 80 plus but here between the poliice and the cell phone blabbing idiots in their Priuses sitting in the left lane it is all rather meaningless. I ride this when I really want to go in a spirited manner and it will eat a car for breakfast so it is all relative. I would buy the car that is in the best shape and has the least miles. I would have it checked out by an independent mechanic before purchase.

 

Hi Drake,

I own a 2012 5.0 N/A XJ and a 2017 3.0 S/C F-Pace (we'll leave the 575 out of this)

The XJ and F-Pace are fairly balanced on paper. 340 vs 385, 4100 vs 4200lb. 8sp vs 6sp.

To drive, they are both great....but dramatically different. The 5.0 has way more low end grunt, the F-Pace is always in the right gear.

I agree with all that has been said above. Buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can find .....with a full JLR history.

I also bought a 575 because I'm stupid....Boy, am I happy I'm stupid. Anything less is Mickey Mouse (Joke)

wombat

 

thats awesome. thanks

 

If you live somewhere where it snows, or like to drive places where it slows, an XJ AWD is something else.