I came across this 4 year old comparison on another forum from a guy who was considering buying an Aston or the Maserati but ended up with an XKR. It's from a consumer's point of view not really a car magazine's, and I found it quite interesting and still apropos. What do you think?

my new XKR - and why! | Jaguar | Page 1 | Owners Forum | Australia

 

Oops, posted in the wrong XKR section. Administrator, could you please move to newer model section.
Thanks

 

I'm glad to have seen this! I can relate much- especially with his interest tilted toward more long road trips and fast cars, and less time and money for the track. That's why I sold my last two 'fun' cars after coming to that realization, and why I've also lost most of my interest in owning a 911 or Lotus. I also find the latest XKR about the finest GT available today, and I think it's my new goal, officially after reading this. Thanks.

 

Sentinelist,
I have both versions, 2002 vert. and 2010 coupe and I enjoy the merits of both. I prefer the styling of my 2002, clean, elegant, classic lines, tapered front and rear. The 2010 looks more modern, but I find the front end looks ponderously heavy and overwrought (especially from the side profile) though I do love the rear.

The rides are as different as night and day. The taut, controlled, able to swallow bumps, lumps, and humps 2010, along with the truly addictive 500+hp and a quick, deliberate shifting, rev-matching, paddle controlled tranny are wondrous. But, with the 20" low profile tires, does not ride as luxuriously as the 2002. It is a more "nervous" ride in the newer car.

My 2002 has been in the shop for the last few days as my differential was making a lot of noise, and I was worried I'd get stuck, and I have truly missed driving it. It may be older and less capable than its newer sibling but no less desirable by any means!

 

Glad to hear of your continued fondness of both! I share your thoughts about the looks on the new one, but I think the ride and handling are just what I need (some day in a few years) to compensate for not going with a 911. A perfect balance. I love the look of the 2012+ headlamps and front facia, but I can see square-on the front of a 2007-11 where it still hints at its E-Type provenance, one of the great things about the XK100 in general too.

So thanks, tberg, you had me scoping eBay for the past hour... But I'm now aiming to swing a 2012 XKR-S coupe before 2020 instead of a 911, and keeping the current XKR for my old British roadster kicks.