Please, only those that have driven or even owned both: Advantages, disadvantages?

Thanks

 

Hi Mikael,
When the F-type debuted at the Los Angeles Car Show in December 2013, JLR gave four of us from the Jaguar Forums cars to drive for 4 days. I had a V8S convertible at my disposal. I was going to the track that weekend, and I asked if I could take the car to the track, and they said, "Of course, just take lots of pictures." Unfortunately, the group I was there with (SoCal Audi Club) did not allow convertibles on the track. I got them to allow me one lap during lunch when the track was empty. My impressions of the F-type V8S started with "how could a car this loud be legal?' Second, it was a fun tossable car with endless power. Negatives were a ridiculously small trunk, felt cramped to me on the inside, and some cheap plastic pieces on the console. And since there is no space behind the seats, the rake of the back wouldn't go back far enough for my liking. I have to say, however, as my 2010 XKR approaches its 200,000th mile (sometime next month), I have been looking at some XKRs & F-type coupes in case things start to break down more frequently. I assume you're still enjoying your XKR?


Buttonwillow Raceway in Bakersfield, CA

 

Tberg, yes I'm still enjoying my XKR, nothing wrong with it. But got a good offer. Haven't driven it though, will in a few days. I fear too small inside, too hard sprung, too noisy. Not enough GT car.

 

It is small inside, and I'm a big guy, so even if you fit, it feels small psychologically. I didn't notice any harshness, but it's not the great GT that the XKR is.

 

Since they share so many parts, the biggest difference is size and wheel base and as such makes it much more of a sports than a GT, as was the intent. I've driven it and it certainly does feel smaller. As Ted said, much more plastic in these modern Jags. If you're loyal to the brand it's a great car, but there's other truer sports out there in the same price range from Porsche and the Corvette C8.

 

I had a top end F-Type under the same conditions as Tberg. The F-Type compared to an XKR is a sports car compared to a sporty GT. F-Type issues for me were too tight in the cabin, spring to tight for poor roads, not enough storage room. Couldn't be a daily driver or road trip vehicle for me because of the ride, noise and space. Fun to drive in the twisties, and for short jaunts. If and when I decide to replace my XKR I have no idea what I will replace it with.

 

I looked at Caymans before I looked at and bought my XKR. Had to give it up, couldn't get seat moved enough back to get a comfortable position. That was a midengine car, did Jaguar make the same mistake in a front engine car?

 

Drove one as a loaner a few years back. The XK is a true GT while the F-Type was gunning for the Cayman buyer IE smaller sports car. Both are fine cars but very different driving experiences.

 

Like you No Quarter, I owned 2 XJ 6's, 2 Mk 2's, and an original E type. XJR's, S type, XJS, along the way as well. I waited for the F type R with AWD, along with the other features I wanted. It was to be my 11th Jaguar, the most advanced engineering marvel I would likely own, and enjoyed my 2016 for 2 years. The performance is terrific, and the AWD saved my assets more than once. The sounds, and paddle shifters made me giggle way too often, usually with the top down.
Calming myself down, I bought my second XK 8, this one a Fixed Head coupe (the prior was a Drop Head) and it pleases whenever I want to drive it. Better riding than the F, not the spectacular performance, yet more than satisfactory for my fun. And the looks of each are eye-catching to all.
Drive the F, and make a fun decision.
Cheers,
Doc

 

I drove the 2015 550 HP F-Type AWD today. 37k km, looks like new.

Quite an impressive car, in so many ways. Never had a car that fast with AWD, it makes a difference. A lot of good things to say about it, I smiled when I got back.
The negatives. Bumps on the road felt a lot, both in Dynamic and in "normal". And space inside is borderline. Not sure I'll fit and be happy in there, on the other hand, after 20 minute trip, didn't feel cramped.

Not sure. Getting the F-Type would mean goodbye to my beloved XKR... Damn dilemma

 

Maybe drive a newer XKR before deciding on an F-Type purchase?
The combination of an updated interior and a hundred more ponies may make you super happy for half the price.

 

Same as most of the above I had an F-type v8 S convertible for about a year.

Things to consider...
Not the most comfortable, I couldn't put my seat that far back because of the top, and on long trips by back started to hurt. I'm 6'1" 190.
It's more sporty whereas the XKR is more comfortable could be a pro or a con depending on what you will be doing with the car.
F-type v8 sounds amazing! Especially with the top down.
XKR is a lot cheaper, at least mine is.
If I had to pick between the two I would get the F type R coupe.


In Malibu