97-06 Better Than The 07-Present XK8/XKR ?
 

Like the title says which do you prefer the best ? Im having a hard time deciding both are stunningly gorgeous.

I think the previous one is an instant classic, from the very moment of its inception.

The new one is no so straightforward elegant and stylish. Sure is pretty, and of course powerful. Perhaps it's more efficient. But the older one is "classic" all around.

If you like classic cars, I think the previous model is the way to go. If you like pure performance, your bet is in the new one. ;)

Agree... if performance is a must, go 2010. Otherwise...
There also are design (technical) changes. 97-99,00-02, 03, 04-05 etc.
There is, of course, a enormous cost difference involved as well.

as an XKE fan I love the 97-06 models. Perfect lines. The 07+ models are nice too but I miss the soul, especially in the inside. The lights of the 07+ models always remind me of a Nissan Z.

Looks like I'm in the minority... I prefer the slightly 'edgier' lines on the newer models...especially the rear end. The nose is the only thing that I find needing work...that lower valence just sticks out there and looks odd.

I would LOVE to never have to take out the boot cover ever again also.

I hear you.

I have said it before, the performance is the only thing I prefer about the newer model. The style and interior I prefer the earlier ones.

I don't think which one is "better" is the right terminology. They are both good cars and they both have their faults. I still get comments on my '01 XKR and people can't believe it is not a newer car. I would much rather have the generous room in the boot than to worry about having to put the boot cover on. The new one have less than half the usable room in the boot.

97-06 MUCH better looking car!

Perhaps this poll is biased by the fact that there are more 97-06 owners??

I have to weigh in on this - I could have afforded either one (ahem!), but I researched, looked at, and drove - all of them. And my pick was my pick. 2002 XXR - Anthracite and Ivory! Just me - Dale D

Here's what I'm thinking....I'll wait a few more years and find a 2010 XKR with the 510 hp engine....hardtop....black or grey.....and I'll park it beside my 1997 XK8 Convertible in Carnival Red. I think the two will get along well.

Tony Cottrell

97 XK8
05 XJ8 L

And their children will look like ???

My 2001 coupe gets a lot of stares. I imagine the new ones do too. The 97-06 models look like they're related to the XKE, while the newer models appear to be related to the Aston Martin. Both are stunners.

the older style looks like a proper jaguar, the classic look.
the new car has a younger feel to it, obvioulsy more modern.

with that said i would have to say that i prefer the body lines on the newer style.

Yeah when I bought mine, it was not about the money at the time either. Just the classic sexy curves of the earlyer model. 2002 XKR here. Power I can build just costs money. Sexy curves and body lines = priceless

It was lust at first sight with me for the 2002 XKR I bought. When at the dealers for service over the last few months, I looked at the newer ones. I prefer the lines and interior of mine but would love the added hp available in the new models.

We are pretty new Jag owners as we just bought our 2000 XKR Convertible (Black/BLack) in December.

We also looked at a 2007 XKR at the time but chose the earlier model and price was not an issiue.

Where I have no doubt the newer car will have significant power and accessory upgrades and is still a beautiful car it does not have that timeless elegance and sexy style that the 97 - 06 models have.

The earlier XK8/XKR are just gorgeous from every angle but where I still like the new ones they kind of make me think of that old Queen song about "Fat Bottomed Girls", a little large in the rear to be considered sleek and elegant and are designed for more passenger comfort and luggage room which is not why I wanted a car like that anyway.

Cheers,

Mark

The 07-present XKR is nice I really like it. Its very modern It will definitely be a classic Jag once its replaced with a newer one.

Good choice. I passed by MANY really nice 2002s to go for an '05 - which I figured was "better" and I preferred the color. I could have saved $6-8K plus an '02 might have been better for what I want to do too.

The new ones look cheap to me...