So I am looking to replace my 2000 xk8 which was totalled and there are some xkrs out there. What are the pros and cons of each? I'll be looking at 2003 to 2006 cars. Power is not high on my list. I did a couple of searches but nothing came up, which I thought was strange. I must not have used correct key words. thanks


added July 17 2012

I think I am settled on an XK8 not an R.

Now for the year. 2003-2006. Anyone made a list of the differences?

 

Steve
Go drive a few of each model then make your decision. I was originally in the market for a XK8 until I drove a XKR then it took me about a year of searching before finding my R.

 

I searched for around a year to find the XKR i wanted, colour, options etc. XKRs are pretty rare beasts, and I was looking at the investment potential as a major consideration. Make no mistake the XK8 is a a very desireable automobile but, the R is more exclusive. Performance wise they are actually quite similar at a leasurely pace, and to be truthful an XK8 on 18 inch wheels rides much smoother than an R on 20's, it really is a magic carpet. Where the R really excells is mid range performance. It's a road going thunderstorm, once underway there is not much out there to touch it from 75 to 150. So my advice would be to drive both first, if that is you can find an R. In any event you will be a part of a history in motorsports that the likes of Lexus, Nissan etc can only dream of. Sir Ian Callum once said even the word Jaguar as it is written is beautiful. He was right. Finally, if my Queen, Elizabeth the 2nd would give her Royal Seal to Jaguar, that is certainly good enough fot me her humble subject!

 

If power isn't really a consideration then I wonder what advantage you see in the XKR, other than the aforementioned rarity. The XKR would give you better braking which would also be much more costly to maintain, a more complicated suspension system, and little else that I'm aware of.

edit: there are obvious styling differences.

 

I have to agree with BlackHills, the mid range is where the R really has it. I drove some 8s before I tried my current R. Neither are really fast off the line, they are just geared too high for drag racing, but in the midrange, well, you just try it and report back.

One consideration for me was that I drive across a pretty wide range of altitudes, anywhere from zero to 8000ft is typical. Naturally aspirated cars can be pretty wheezy that far up, so the forced induction was nearly a requirement.

 

There are quite a few XKRs available in CA right now.
I was wondering about the tire size. This will be our escape to tahoe or to the coast car. Riding comfort is high on the list. I have two porsches, neither of which my wife likes to ride long distance in. She enjoyed the xk8. Does xkr come in 18" wheels or only low profile 20"?

 

Steve - the standard wheel size of X100-gen XKR is 18" however I've seen more with 20" - I suspect because of the look. On concours and show events that I attended, I ran across more R cars with 20" than 18".

I do not know about ride comfort - but I echo some of the previous post - try driving both, and yes - an R with 20" would not be as comfortable as the one with 18". However, people tolerance levels are different. I drove mine when I bought it from the Bay Area back to Austin on 20", and I did a long road trip from Austin to Southern NM, and on both occasions, I was fine.

If power is not high on the list, was wondering if you ever consider looking at the X150-gen XK? From the rear quarter, the shape is as stunning as any out there - IMO. You get the benefit of a more advanced chassis, but engine-wise, it's the same motor essentially with a slight uptick in power. And if it's a cabrio, you won't have to deal with the stupid tonneau cover. I am looking for an X150-gen R car actually, but in no hurry.

The R also has more expensive maintenance on some components. The brakes - one of the most common wear-and-tear are definitely more expensive than an 8 car. An R car fuel pump will set you back $700+ while an 8 car will be a fraction of that.

Happy hunting!

BTW - I found mine on Craigslist, so keep your eyes peeled on ALL ad sources.

 

Go with the R; you won't regret it. The following are better:
Steering- re-tuned.
Suspension - firmer, lower ride height.
Engine - mo power.
Brakes- bigger discs, with 4 cylinder Brembos.
Wheels- standard ones are bigger.
Looks- the hood vents and the "R's"
I'm sure there are other things I am missing.
So if you want a more powerful, better riding, better braking, more luxurious vehicle, get the R. For new ones, I understand the huge price difference. On the used market, I would say go all the way and spend several thousand more for the R. I've seen 2003-2004 R's in very good shape for 12-18K. However, you have to look hard and you will have to travel to pick one up. It will be worth it. XK8 owners often regret not getting an R, and then later do.

 

I had a XK8:



And now have a XKR:



My Advice: R!

 

I sold my R to buy an 8. Nothing wrong with the R but it had real low k and nothing left to fix. Anywho, the 8 rides much/much better on 17s vs 18s on the R. Normal driving shows no difference and gas mileage is the same. Handling is very similar. Steering on the 8 requires much less effort. The R was always stiff. Like it's been said though, step on the R around 50 k and it howls. You'll be into ticket me country before you can find the brakes, which are just fine on the 8 btw.
Would I buy another R? If it had the features I wanted, sure. I'd expect to pay a couple grand more for it as well. Good luck with your selection.

 

I wanted the 8, drove both, and I stretched the budget and bought the R.

No regrets, although I find myself surfing used 07-10 XKs...

 

No trunk space in new version. I need to put two golf bags in it.

 

The xk8 does have a couple 19" wheel choices, the Atlas and Apollo. I am more than happy with the acceleration of the N-A, and I appreciate the extra few mpgs that comes with it.

 

I think I am settled on an XK8 not an R.

Now for the year. 2003-2006. Anyone made a list of the differences?

 

Both of your cars are incomparably beautiful

 

Stevepaa,

I've also been trying to understand the differences between the 03-06 model years. I haven't found a comprehensive list of differences (it's very possible I'm not searching on the right keywords...) but here's what I've turned up from web searches. If experts can chime in with additions/corrections (or point to another thread or article) that would be most appreciated.

03: Enhanced drivetrain (4.2-liter engine and six-speed ZF transmission.) Enhanced electronics--revised dynamic stability and traction control, revised Computer Active Technology Suspension)--Adaptive restraint technology system. Optional adaptive cruise control, optional self-leveling headlights on XK8 (std on XKR). Brembo brakes standard on XKR.

04: ?

05: Primarily appearance changes? Redesigned front and rear--the grille, wheels, and tailpipes.

06: Aluminum body

 

Although there are some X150s labeled as 2006s, most of the 2006s are still X100s and those are NOT aluminum bodied.