What would be the better choice, if miles and the price are the same?

 

XKR

more power than you need is better than needing more power

 

XKR
Why have cotton when you can have silk.... 😊

 

so I am gathering it is not worth the interior updates on the 2006

 

The only real "update" was the two piece seat, which the 2002 should have anyway (the update came in 2001) (unless the XKR has Recaro seats, and those are better anyway) Apart from that, I can't think of anything that should have changed appreciably.

The only thing to keep in mind on the 2002 is it will need (if it hasn't been done already) upgraded secondary timing chain tensioners to the third generation metal ones.

 

On the interior they added chrome rings around the gauges and shifter. If you like them, they are available aftermarket. Not much else.

Many 2002s have the upgraded tensioners, but they need to be checked to be sure, or else get the engine serial number and make sure it is after August 13, 2001. A cooperative dealer can look up the engine serial number from the VIN.

 

Forgot about those. I think it looks great either way, and as Steve says, the aftermarket has you covered.

 

06 has upgraded body panels, front and sides.

I'll be the odd guy out...

What is your intended use of the car? While the XKR does have more power remember it a supercharger so power is mostly when you are "getting on it" during normal driving I don't think you will notice the difference. Parts for the XKR are more expensive, adaptive shocks, etc.

Personally I feel the XK8 has plenty of power except in the stop light racer category but it still move quick.

I'd go for the 06 XK8, IMHO. 4 years newer, restyled body and less issues than the 02 XKR.

 

What more can I say see my sig below
Here's a pic of 3 gauge upgrade with chromed rings

 

the correct answer is as subjective as the choice between blonds & brunettes! if you're going to buy one, do your due diligence, gas her up and enjoy!!!

 

The XKR has as much torque at 1600rpm as the XK8 has at peak. The big thing on the R is that the power comes in much faster and at much low revs it's just smoother with power. Less S2000 more Corvette (I understand, two huge extremes). Having driven 8s and Rs, I bought 2 Rs and never looked back. The 8s just felt adequate powerwise for a luxury cruiser, the R feels a little more like a luxurious refined pony or muscle car.

How often do you think long term that you'll go, I wish I had the less powerful car.

 

06 is the way I would go. Newer, easier to work on if you are a novice mechanic and want to save money doing your own repairs. If you want power get a American V8 car that is much more reliable and anymore can be had with more power then 400 in this heavy car.

 

Just curious, what exactly in an 05/06 XK8 is easier to work on than an 02 XKR?

 

maybe the WALLET.

 

ok, thru 05. Based on what I have seen here, the super charger is a extra pain to deal with then you have to fix anything under it and with parts becoming harder to find for these cars, I would pass on the XKR for that reason alone.

 

Take the older XKR. More power and IMHO the better body style. (personal preference, no brick attacks please )

The only downside is the R model likely has the nav unit. I prefer the 3-gauge setup. The nav unit can no longer be upgraded and the maps will be outdated.

However, the '02 should be less money despite the R package. Better check condition, no matter which way you go.