I've fallen hard for the sexy looks of the XK8/XKR, and want to ask those of you that have driven both to give me your impressions of the driving experience of the XK. I really love my XJR, but will have to choose one or the other because I can't afford them both.

My XJ personal experience was with earlier models, but I can say that you are talking about two different cars. The XJ is a luxury sedan, although the XJR certainly has a more sporting feel, while the XK is a true GT car. So the answer is what are you going to use it for?

My XK8 is a daily driver, but I work 6 miles from my home. My kids are grown and moved out, so it is just the wife and I. For long weekends trips, it can't be beat.

I loved the XJs I owned, but the XK better fits where I am today. Both cars were capable of making me smile every time they started, but I have to say my XK8 smile might be just a little wider.

If you have the XJR then I would recommend the XKR. Otherwise you'll miss that extra kick in the seat upon hard acceleration.

I liked test driving the XJR, and I like my XKR. In my opinion they're pretty comparable; both are beautiful cars, unique, great interiors, with plenty of power. In my opinion the XKR is not really a sports car, so I'd consider both as touring cars. The XK is more rare; the XJ is by no means common but the XK really turns some heads.

If I needed the seats I'd go with the XJ, if I didn't I'd go with the XK.

Depending on the year of the XJ the xj might be better.
What do you expect?
The xkr has by no means a very good road handling due to its rear suspension being pre historic. The new xk models are in a different league

I haven't driven the newer XKs but my old girl corners well enough to frighten passengers!
One obvious point is the vestigial back seats in the XKs and not a lot of headroom.
More to go wrong with an XKR but IMHBO (in my highly biased opinion) worth it.

My XJR is an 04, it really is a superb driving car, and the seats are very comfortable. It's not a daily driver, pleasure use only. The drivetrain of the XKR is the same, so it would come down to suspension. Obviously the XJR would have an edge there, but I'm guessing the XKR is a pretty nice driving car. I have to decide between the stunning looks of the XKR, and the more conservative, but dialed in XJR.

Steve can probably frighten his passengers before he even gets out of the garage but that doesn't answer your question.

I've had an E-Type followed by all the four door saloons except the Series III and am now back with a 2 Door Coupe.

It was always a decision based on family needs rather than personal preference. For many years I needed four seats and now I only need two.

If you can't afford both, it comes down to whether you have to carry children or parents in the back seat. If the answer is 'yes', stick with the XJ.

Graham

I agree with Graham, if you need the extra seats go with the XJ. If you are alright with a two seater go with the XKR. My first Jag was an 01 XK8 and I would have kept it but I saw and drove an 03 XKR. That is the ultimate car for me in my senior days.

Bill N
03 XKR

How tall are you? At 6-foot-7, I have to fold up like an accordian to fit in my wife's XK8. I can drive it for maybe 30 minutes before my neck, back, and knees all start screaming at me to get the hell out as soon as possible. The extremely narrow floorboards give me practically nowhere to put my size 16 feet, either. Her XK8 is indeed a stunningly beautiful car, but I do not enjoy it because I cannot fit into it....

I can drive our S-Type all day long with no comfort issues at all. I would probably be even more comfortable driving an XJ....

So if you're relatively tall, say 6-foot-4 or more, be sure you thoroughly test-drive any XK8 or XKR before you commit to it....

Yes, at only 6 foot I'm glad to get the top down and my 6'2 son virtually hits the headliner.
Coming originally from Coventry I can affirm they aren't all midgets.

Well, I'm 6'3". I've got to find a way to drive one I guess.

What's your weather like?
Obviously a convertible makes all the difference, is more fun, lets you see more, hear more and (if you're in the country) smell more.
Earlier this year we were driving home about 50 km and the nightingales were singing all the way back - a memorable experience.

So here is my take. My present car is an 07 XK coup. My previous car was an 05 XJR.

The XJR was the most all around satisfactory car I have ever owned. The single complaint was that after 200 miles I could not find a comfortable spot on either of the front seats. Too hard and over bolstered, don't you know, for my old body. The car, at 385 HP, is marginally faster that a stock 07 XK at 300 HP.

The XK is the most beautiful car IMHO I have ever owned, save the 72 XKE from 40 years ago. For long trips it is actually better than the XJR. It is, after all, described as a Gran Touring car. The corning/handling capabilities of the XK have it noticeably over the XJR.

Now here is the thing. Comparing an 05 XJR to a stock 07 XK is a reasonably valid thing to do as there is substantial overlap in their cababilities. Comparing XKs to XJs in general does not make good sense as they are in different classes.

How lucky are you to have found me?

Tarheal, The topicstarter is interested in a xk8 not a 2007+ XK which has an improved handling

Aw poop! And I delivered such a learned discourse too.

You did and it was still a good read.

Graham

I considered an XJR for years always wanted a big body car.

Thanks for the info, i have been instructed that I will start looking for an xj the first of the year. The boss said my grandson is to cramped in the back seat of the xk8. I have already started the search! Finally the xk8 will be all mine! God I love my grandson!! Jim

When you are ready, let me know.

I'll find you the right car at the right price.

Take care,

George

Since the XJR and XKR have the same engine, most of the differences between them are not engine-related. I really liked my XJ but the air-suspension issues finally led me to sell it. I can handle the expense and even the hassle, but I can't handle the ever-present possibility that the car will strand me far from home.

So I switched to an XK figuring that it would have fewer issues. So far that hasn't proven to be the case, but my experience seems to be worse than most. And aside from throttle-body issues which are common to both cars the XK doesn't seem to have so many FTP ('failure to proceed') flaws.

BTW like you I am 6'-3" and I fit in the XK but just barely...it involves a bit of slumping and a slightly-reclined seat.