SLazz, you stated that you may hold "convertible" to blame for looseness and such, but as these cars were designed first AS convertibles, and as such are incredibly rigid and stable.

Any 'looseness' isn't because the top disappears. As others have stated, probably that specific vehicle has problems.

 

I think you're probably right. I'll be test driving a few more and to see if it was just that car. Thanks.

 

The faster Tesla's do sub 2 second 50-70's.

 

Our stock XKR does it in 1.7
(in the previous test for testicular fortitude, the Jaguar was put in its most uncomfortable gear)

 

The press release for the 5 litre said 1.9 seconds

"In-gear times are equally impressive, with the naturally aspirated XK accelerating from 50-70mph in just 2.5 seconds, while the supercharged XKR completes the same sprint in just 1.9 seconds."

The Tesla P90DL can do it in around 1.5 secs.

50-70 is usually listed as in gear times rather than flat out, kick down acceleration so it isn't easy to compare manual cars to autos.

 

I recall C&D testing it at 1.7secs, since I cant find it, (think they have pulled it) we can go with 1.9 from the presser.
Tesla's spec from the same source is 2 secs for Model S100D. Link below. I realize its not their fastest (neither is the xkr) but the comparison is really between any electric car capable of instantaneous monster torque without complicated transmissions and an alleged old-fart's car with a six-speed.
https://www.caranddriver.com/tesla/model-s (scroll down)

 

Smart choice, ABC is a nightmare. Have you considered older SL (pre-ABC)? I had 1999 500SL and it was a really comfortable car to drive.

 

Definitely not plain looking with a black series conversion and the SL55 driveline is bullet proof

 

My vote(s), from what I can tell of your ride/price priorities:
- 2010 or newer.
- "R" not a necessity.
- 19 INCH WHEELS. This should be non-negotiable for you. If you take no other piece of advice from me, follow this one.

FYI: I have had bushings and control arms replaced on my car (they were done together and paid for under ext warranty so I don't know if they're separate).... a SIGNIFICANT difference in "tightness" of handling. And remember it's often age as much as mileage with those.

PK

 

It is ridiculous to compare top gear of a eight speed where there are extra fuel economy gears and top gear of a six speed where sixth would come into play on a long straight.

It is just as silly measuring top speed in 1st gear as the most important metric, why not just shift to 2nd, and then third, etc...?

You know, it'd be interesting to have a eight gear pull of a 5.0XKR against a C7 Corvette rather than a top gear pull. The XKR without an eighth gear would do nothing. Sigh...

Statistics, you really have to know what is going on with outside factors to read them properly.

The reality, if you aren't in manual mode and you dump your right foot in a C7 on the interstate; there will be a changing of the gears.

And if you're in manual mode, you might be cruising in 5th instead of 8th.

As for ride, just get a custom upholstery shop to make you a custom foam set for your seat that is comfort oriented. Forget 19" wheels vs 20" wheels; it's your butt contact that counts.

4.2L vs 5.0L, this is going to depend on the roads you drive upon.

For country roads it really won't matter. On the interstate the 5.0L is going to be a vastly superior beast.

The 5.0L can skip gears, and has faster shift times. Couple that with more power and it is the winning combo when
your lane is slowing down and you need to punch it to go a lane over.

For my present needs I'd go for a perfect 4.2L over a not quite perfect 5.0L,

You needs may be different.

 

Actually, I had a 2001 Mercedes SL500 triple black convertible w/ 20K miles and sold it last year. Although I did get top for it (and I mean way over the the top $$$) I still kick myself for selling it. But that was then and this is now and after looking at several similar Mercedes R129 convertibles I gave up the search and that's when I bought a 2006 Jaguar XK8. Beautiful car but after changing out the suspension it still drove like a truck so I dumped it. I should have purchased a X150. Two completely different cars. Hence, I'm now searching for a XK150 convertible. I will find one. It's just a matter of time.

 

Easy way to clear the misunderstanding.
Jaguar Ftype with same engine and 8speed trans does 50-70 in 2.9 seconds in the test that took corvette 11secs.

It's about having authority in any gear. A luxury that should not be overlooked.

 

I agree. My 6-speed 4.2L XKR is perfect for around town and my 8-speed 5.0L SC XJ is for the Interstate and bad weather days .

 

What is the rpm difference at around 70 mph. Is it any different between the 6 sp or 8 sp.

 

Jagtoes, this is what I found in regards to trans ratios. Course, final drive is Differential Dependent...

 

It'd be interesting to give a F1 car this same test.

 

Need to wholeheartedly answer that, cause you too are one to question convention. First just a quick level-set.
Have we known any British car company to deceive the public in any manner, sued for intellectual property theft. I dont, but know handful of the goliaths from the other side doing it.
Have we known any British car company go out of their way to genuinely give F1 experience to the public. I know McLaren, Lotus and Caterham.

A F1 car will never find itself in that situation. Of needing to go from 50 to 70 in top gear. It has 2x rpm range and lighting quick wake due to oversquare engine and a trained expert at the wheel.
Whereas, if we are honest about it, and ignore the narrative put forth by Goliath. Its the only real world situation we constantly find ourselves in, and the only one where acceleration genuinely matters.

Look at it another way from their own propaganda. They say a car that is 0.5 seconds faster in 0-60 is in another league. Well, the XKR is full 1 second faster than their best-of-breed in 50-70.

 

McLaren was sued for intellectual property theft from Ferrari to the tune of over $100 million (USD) in '07. I work for the security solution that provided the evidence. The best investment Ferrari has ever made was in our software.

 

 

Was it in F1?...
Just read about it on Wikipedia.
Wow small world.

I was referring to the large scale deceit and ip theft in the consumer car space. Tatra suing Porsche, Land Rover suing Toyota, UK suing Merc, BMW, VW for cartel practices and diesel-gate. Remember the Farfegnugen scam, that diesel was fun to drive. They control the narrative.