I have an '00 XK8. If I had my 'druthers, I would like an '07 XK. The 4.2-liter engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox will achieve up to 25 (US) m.p.g.. This is enough to make the XK more attractive than most Corvettes. You can find a Corvette on every other streetcorner. If you find an XK or XK8 Coupe, it is rare. My XK8 is a "Grand Touring 2+2". The Corvette is a two-seater. I tend to prefer the XK or XK8. You don't need to play "boy racer" to enjoy the XK/XK8 Jaguars. They're fine for the application of Grand Touring automobiles. My 26-year-old XK8 still turns heads.

The XK8 and XK are the "spiritual successors" to the venerable E-Type. If you must have the high-performance model, buy the XKR. Prepare to pay for said performance in fuel economy, insurance premiums, and higher maintenance costs.

Relax and enjoy the drive that Sir William Lyons pioneered.

 

I'm trying to understand what the difference is between the XK8 and R that makes the R handle better. I was always under the impression that the suspensions were pretty much the same. Didn't older Rs have the same brakes as 8.s? Couldn't you order an XK8 with Brembo brakes at some point after 2000?

 

I don’t know about the Brembo’s on the XK-8, but you are right about the brakes on the 4.0 cars. My 2002 XKR has the basic ATE brakes. Which I believe come as std. equipment on both the XK-8 and the XKR on the early cars.

I thought the ATE brakes were just average until I put ebc red stuff pads on them (along with new rotors). The ebc pads were transformative. Huge improvement in stopping distance, fade resistant, and better overall performance.

All of which I’ve learned to be the norm with the ebc red stuff pads when used on my 1960’s classics.

The OEM pads are simply not in the same league.



Z

 

I believe that a firmer suspension, Brembo brakes, and the option of the CATS system are the true upgrades from the XK/XK8 to the XKR models. The improved ZF 6-speed transmission made a significant difference in later model years.
I am not in favor of the CATS system. (It is another system that can, and will, eventually fail). Brembo brakes are another matter.

 

The XK8 and the XKR at the no option level do have same suspension configuration. Improved handling can be had with the optional brembo brakes, CATS adaptive damping and, coupe only, handling package.
Some of these options were fitted as standard on various specials but were generally available as options across the range. (Many of the options are referred to as 'R features' but the 'R' in this context has nothing to do with the R in XKR)

 

Thanks. That's what I thought. Years ago when searching for my first XK8, I looked at a 2003 XK8. It had Brembo brakes and I was told it had the upgraded suspension. I never checked because the car had too many problems.

 

XK8 vs XKR? The cleanest example of either within your budget that comes with well-documented maintenance will make you happy for a long time!