Is the XJR that much of a better engine than the standard V8?
I assume is has a different head configuration, but is there much else that is different?
The reason I'm asking is that I am in the market for an upgrade to my '92 VDP. I'm looking at a 2003 Super 8 and comparing that to a 2003 VDP or 2004 VDP.
I appreciate the "Unbiased" input from all of you with one of each or - better yet - from someone who has an XJR and standard V8!
I don't need the extra power - unless one also gets a better engine.

 

I have a 2004 XJ8 with standard V8. I think it has more than enough power and gets up and moves when I need it to. I think the advertised 0-60 times were less than 6 second. I have never driven an XJR or Super V8 though.

 

I have a 2004 4.2 liter normally aspirated XJ8. I have no experience driving the supercharged model. From 2004 to the end of production the XJ8 was lighter than any previous year due to the aluminum body. I think that 2004 was the year the V8 went to the 4.2 displacement over the 4.0 one before that. My Jag mechanic told me that my year and beyond have the cam tensioners problem solved.

Unless you do a lot of drag racing I cannot imagine why one would need more power than the 300hp this car has. When one puts the hammer down things happen.

I have not run mine in the 1/4 mile. The nearest 1/4 mile track is over 100 miles from my house. But I did go to the 1/8 mile track about 20 miles from my house and ran it. My best speed was 74.5 mph. My best time was 9.624 seconds. This performance is right in line with the published reviews that say the car will do right at 100mph in 15 seconds on the 1/4 mile track. I aim to test that in the near future.

I can't see why I would need more than that for the use I make of the car, which is driving around, with occassional brisk canyon runs. To me the Jaguar is sheer driving pleasure, with some thrill juice on tap for once in a while.

Tom

 

The thing with the XJR is once you get used to the power you need more!!!
If you have a chance to get the XJR go for it

That being said, I would still be happy with the XJ but to have the same comfort and the power, is no contest

Cheers
35by151

 

The XJR has the same engine with a supercharger, a lower compression ratio and no variable valve timing. The XJR also has a more robust transmission.

The XJR has about 100 horsepower more on demand and still gets good gas mileage.

Some people say the XJR is actually more reliable than the normally aspirated XJ8. Variable valve timing can be noisy, and the non SC cars trannys can suffer A drum failure.

The 2004 is a completely different car than the 2003, aluminum vs steel body and some say the '04's lost the classic lines of the breed.

Vector

 

I test drove an XJR recently & there is no comparison to the XJ8. the power on the XJR is ridiculous.

 

Also the engine blocks are not the same

The XJR for example provides extra piston cooling using an oil jet at the base of the bore to squirt oil under the piston

Different beast to drive, same experience in the cabin, except the big simile on the driver

Cheers
34by151

 

There's more to consider than just the engine.

The XJR's have stiffer suspension, and firmer, sportier seats. If you are used to a comfortable ride in an armchair, the XJR might be a little frustrating, I'm talking about the X350, the X308 XJR's had more traditional seating than the X350...

Try to find an X350 Super V8 to make a like for like comparison (same engines), there is quite a difference, especially the seats...

 

Great input - thank you.
Does the Super 8 have XJR style seats or the VDP style?

 

Super V8 is basically a VDP with the supercharged engine.

 

Have owned quite a few XJ's, all Supercharged. 1997, 2000 and now 2007. There is no way you can compare a VDP or Super to a XJR. Its much sportier. I drove a few VDP and was about to buy one but for me and in my humble opinion it floated way too much, tried another and it was the same. 300 HP is plenty for most, but 400HP is much better, especially with that torque. It really gets up and goes.

 

Hi,
I have had 6 Jaguars. I currently have the Jaguar XJR Super V8 Portfolio. I have had 2 Vanden Plas as well as the Coupe and others. This one stopped me in my tracks! I have kept it 6 1/2 years because of how different it drives and looks. It does in fact go 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. Its performance and elegance is unmatched. They only made 143 of this one. It came with a price tag over $115,000. Now, I am considering selling it and getting into a different jaguar. But in answer to your question, there is a difference and you can feel it.

 

Bethany:
Great feedback.
Is this the black Portfolio on EBay? (Beautiful car)
If not, how much are you asking for it?!
Marcus
7oh7atetoofortwoto98

 

I have a2004 XJR, which does have the stiffer seating. For an over 60 guy they are fine, but certainly not the living room armchair feel. Power is awesome and mileage tends to be around 22 mpg, with mostly highway driving. If I could find a super V8, I would probably go that route to get he plush seating, power of the supercharged engine and Brembo brakes which are fantastic. Second choice would be XJR, over the standard engine and brakes.
Rye

 

Although I don't have an XJR, my XJ6 Sport does have the sport suspension, the same as the XJR, and I can tell you it is much harsher and harder riding than the standard suspension, especially if you have large diameter wheels and low-profile tyres. I downsized to 18" for this reason. Personally I'd like to convert to standard suspension, but the cost is the problem.

On the other hand, I find the Sport seats very, very, good, totally suitable for me and good for journeys of 600 miles without aches and pains.

 

Could not have said it better. I had went from a 78 Camaro with a 350, thought it was kind of fast. Then went to an 87 XJS with a v12, thought it was the best thing in the world...until I got my 05 XJR, it's the most ***** to the wall insane car I have ever driven. Never a single problem with the engine...but Now I want it faster. For the 100k mile tune up, i'm thinking an upgraded supercharger pulley and such...

 

I know this this is a dumb question, bc under the hood I dont see the sc, but when I bought my car recently it was listed " 2004 Vanden Plas Super V8 portfolio ". After reading the this thread , a 'super V8' is for sure super charged. I know what a sc looks like and I am sure Id know if I had one. The intake is that black cross over dome shape..

Point being, is there a place I can run my vin to see all its options?

 

Judging by your photo you 'just' have a Vanden Plas, not a Super V8. The attached photo is of the supercharged engine.

A dealer should be able to provide the full factory build spec for your car.

 

I have a V8 3.5SE, will go for the supercharged engine next time, sure the n/a car will shift, but it lacks real low down grunt, I had a supercharged c class merc, only a 2.3ltr, but low to midrange was excellent, I had it 8 years and every time I used it it surprised me! Even when fully loaded with roof box and it was estate (s/w) so it ended up with the suspension nearly on the stops it ate mile upon mile on our regular trips to mainland europe, very relaxed, very economical and hardly ever need a downchange when cruising, even when climbing, I recall cruising down to the South of France with the car on cruise at 70mph we started climbing the Midi Pyrenees (I think thats what they are called) the car kept pulling, speed remained constant, once the torque converter dropped out of no2 to give more slip and once it changed down to maintain speed, and it was fully loaded with loaded 8ft roof box, absolutely fantastic!

 

I bought an XJR after shopping for XJ8s. I did it mainly for the BRG color on this one XJR, but knew the trade off I was making.

I drive the XJR like a sports car. I whip it around corners and gun the engine at stop lights. It's fun but at the other end of the spectrum of the sedate, plush ride of the XJ8. I hate the analogy, but it's sort of a Ginger/Mary Ann-type decision as to which is better. This is not why I bought an XJ, but I never thought I would have a car so fun to drive that doesn't kill me on the poor roads in my dumpy city. (I can feel the potholes, but it's not jarring.)

The firm seats in the XJR serve a real purpose. If you whip this car around you need the stability the seat gives. (I have not taken it on road trips yet and am a little worried about comfort.)