X150 - 4.2 vs 5.0 - the "feeling"

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Feb 12, 2019 | 09:32 AM

#41

8bit

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 618

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From: Scotland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cambo

I must have driven a dozen X150's over the last couple of years, mix of 4.2L XK, 4.2L XKR, 5.0L XK, 5.0L XKR, dead stock, tweaked and tuned, and in between.

It always seemed to me that the 5.0L X150's felt "heavier" than the 4.2L's, even though they are the same body, same interior, same weight... the 5.0L cars just felt more weighty.

I think I figured out why after driving both 4.2L and 5.0L today.

The spring on the 5.0L accelerator pedal is stiffer, the power steering is heavier on the 5.0L, and the steering wheel is thicker on the 5.0L too, makes the 4.2L feels more light and nimble to drive in comparison.

The pedal box was also revised on the 5.0L and so the pedals are in a slightly different position, as well as the weight of the spring. Jumping between the two cars it's a bit of a strange feeling.

Funny how they are the "same" , but not the same. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different.

It was something that always bugged me, but now I know...

I traded my 4.2 XKR for a 5.0 XKR last October and concur with everything you said. Further to that, I'd say the "feel" of the car in terms of build quality is generally more sturdy as well, stuff like the center console feels more solid, the doors feel heavier, the bonnet and boot feel heavier too (probably just newer gas struts still feeling firm). Could just be that the new car shows less than half the mileage the old one did though. The thing just feels better built, more competent, faster and more assured; I've not driven a 4.2 again since then but thinking about my last one, compared to this it feels like a prototype.

Regards your point about the 4.2 feeling more nimble, I'd agree but down twisty, undulating Scottish B-roads I prefer the 5.0 as it feels more communicative and confidence-inspiring.

As for the throttle pedal spring, probably a good thing the 5.0 has a heavier spring, it seems to build speed a lot faster than the older car; much easier to not realise how fast you're going without looking down at the gauge.

Feb 12, 2019 | 09:46 AM

#42

pwpacp

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Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 1,336

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From: Georgia

Throttle spring was the big take away for me. I noticed right away that the 5.0 did not tend to lunge when starting from a rolling or dead stop. Steering and handling feels much tighter but, as you say, it may have just been wear from mileage between the two.
I have to say I was much more agressive with my 4.2 than now. Perhaps the newness had worn off by the time I got to my 5.0 and no longer feel the urge as much.
Not having at all to do with "feel" but I much perfer the 5.0, if for nothing more than upgraded features.

Feb 12, 2019 | 02:33 PM

#43

steve_k_xk

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Joined: Jun 2015

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From: Sydney, Australia

Are the steering racks the same ratio or different on all models including n/a - SC - 4.2 - 5.0

Feb 12, 2019 | 02:42 PM

#44

Cambo

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Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 8,637

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From: Sydney, Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve_k_xk

Are the steering racks the same ratio or different on all models including n/a - SC - 4.2 - 5.0

4.2 XK & XKR have the same rack
4.2 XKR-S got a faster ratio rack
5.0L XK & XKR have the same rack, supposedly same/similar as the 4.2 XKR-S
5.0L XKR-S got a faster rack again
Finally the XKR-S GT uses the rack from the F-Type, which is supposedly faster again.

JaHummer here on the forum put an F-Type rack in his 4.2 XKR, said it was awesome, it's also on my to-do list.