After driving an F-type V8S for 4 days, and my 2010 XKR on the track all weekend, I drove my 2002 XKR from Los Angeles to San Jose and back with stops in Bakersfield and Arvin along the way. In all, I drove about 680 miles, averaged somewhere between 70-80mph, got over 22 mpg, top down most of the day, all on a car with well over 150,000 miles on it. No hiccups, just a wonderful drive in a beautiful car.

It may not have the 5L--500hp engine of the F-type or my coupe, and it certainly doesn't have the suspension nor the handling of either, but it's no less pleasurable on a long drive, and in my humble opinion, far and away better looking than either of them.

What a class act!

 

Yep, as much as the F-type has received plenty of hype and praise, and rather rightfully so with the available mad engines, I still find the XK8,XKR the most stunning two door jag since the e-type! Everything about it comes off with this admirable effortless in terms of appearance and road dynamics, where as the newer cars are trying so much harder with their shouty engines and more stylized designs! Sometimes, newer just is not better!

 

+1, the XK8/R is a GT not a drag racer and is a pleasure to drive.


Mark

 

Ive had this opinion on several makes and models, but sometimes proportions don't look as good on the smaller cars. The F-Type is an excellent car, but I think the extra length of the XKR makes the car look more lean and sleak.

I own an Audi A8L, and I think it looks proportionately better than the same era and styling A4 and A6 (not that they're ugly by any means!). The size makes it look right. Whenever I see a C-Class, 3-Series or A4, I just see a smaller and less pretty version of the S-Class, 7-Series and A8. Same thing with SLK vs SL, Z3 vs Z8, and here with the F-Type vs XKR.

 

Glad to hear stories like this buddy. It makes me have extremely high hope for years to come... I wouldn't replace my XKR for ANY car in the world right now! And that's 100 % truth. Ok ok ok maybe a Bugatti....

 

I had a similar experience this weekend, and at the end of the day the XK8 just "feels" right to me.
I loved the power and *sound* (oh that sound) of the F-type, and everything was the bees knees as far as it goes, but I am happy to be back to motoring at a regular pace, with a little more "float" to my drive.

 

Hi David,
Did you have a good time with your F-type Coupe? I would have loved to have had a coupe at the track on Saturday, but I drove the convertible several hundred miles, and really got a taste for it. I think it was pretty terrific with a few exceptions. But that sound, oh that sound, is worth the price of admission, alone!

Having said that, I still like the body of the first generation XK/XKR better. I had my 2002 parked next to the F-type, and to my eyes, it's no contest. Obviously in every driving category the F-type and second generation XK/XKR are worlds above our cars except for smoothness, but as I said, I drove 700 miles yesterday, and it was a pleasureable, smooth, thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Let's get together sometime soon. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Ted

 

Our years are the best,these newer younger engineers, are using laser computer aided drawing now, and you can see that on the car. Not my cup of tea.

 

+1 I wouldn't be interested in a woman that was designed that way either (smooth curves beat sharp angles any day!). Okay, so I'm not politically correct......

 

It is not only the CAD and all that, it is new safety laws that have to be complied with that compromise design. Europe (not sure about US) have laws now that demand crush zones on the hood so that when you hit a pedestrian the hood gives instead of the pedestrian. Not sure if it really helps, but...


So, when you raise the hood off the motor to give the crush space, everything else in the design changes. All the way to the back of the car. That's why all these new cars look fat. They are. The designers are trying to disguise the issue. I think the Jag F type does a good job of it.


But in the end, cars look better when designed without this restriction.


You couldn't make a car that looks like the XK8 now. Enjoy it while you have it.


Jack

 

Hey Ted,

I liked having the coupe, as it was a change from my "norm" of top down driving- but it was like taking a vacation to a tropical island, boy was it fun and exciting but ultimately is was nice to be home again in my XK8.

We should get together- PM me and perhaps we can meet up for dinner with the spouses! Happy Thanksgiving!

Dave

 

I don't think there is a better looking car than the XK Jags during that 10 year period.

 

EZDRIVER,

These cars are especially beautiful when they're Carnival Red, aren't they?

David, I'll pick a day and a place half way between us, and I'll p.m. in a day or two when I figure out my and my wife's schedule.

Everyone, have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.
Ted

 

Hey Ted- have you ever made a post without attaching photos of your car? I agree- the F-Type doesn't do much for me, except that incredible sound it makes.

I agree and can relate the same.

Excellent point! I hadn't thought about it that way before but I think you nailed it.