Whars the difference? Is the 308 the 4.0?

 

Where does one begin, IMO, the X308 is by FAR better looking and yes 4.0. X350 is a Ford Product, aluminum chassis, in many respects a "better" car...but you would'nt catch me trading mine for one. Ill let the others speak on this matter.

Chris

 

Phew, where to begin. The X308 chassis has it's roots in the XJ40 chassis from the late 80's, although with many suspension and aesthetic upgrades along the way. It is a traditional steel chassis with coil spring independent suspension at all 4 corners. The X350 was a completely new chassis, and is a mostly aluminum construction with air suspension at all 4 corners. It is significantly larger inside and out than the X308, but is actually slightly lighter thanks to the aluminum construction. They use similar engines, both using AJ V8s, but the X308s use the 4.0L version of the engine where as the X350s use the 4.2L version. They use different transmissions as well. The x308 XJRs use a Mercedes sourced 5 speed transmission, whereas the X350 XJRs use a ZF 6 speed automatic. Besides having similar engines and a similar overall aesthetic, they are very different cars. Like BadBenz said, the X350 is on paper better in a number of ways. It's lighter, it's much roomier inside, the transmissions are generally better, they're more powerful at every model level. But it all depends on what you want. I love how the X350s look, but IMO the X308 is better looking yet. I personally don't like the air ride on the X350's. The X308 doesn't ride as well, but IMO it more than makes up for that in superior handling, as the air ride gives the X350 kind of a floaty feel. The interior of the X350 is much larger, but doesn't feel as nice IMO. It feels more like a very nice Ford, which a lot of it is. The X308 is much cheaper to maintain and is more reliable in many ways. The air ride is prone to rather expensive failure in the X350, whereas the X308s springs basically never fail. If you get in an accident, any shop can repair the X308s steel structure, but the X350s aluminum chassis will require a specialized shop at a MUCH higher cost.

In summary, IMO the X308 looks better, handles better, feels better on the inside, and is cheaper/easier to maintain/repair. The X350 is faster, rides better, and has much more interior room. You really can't go wrong with either, they're both wonderful chassis'.

 

It's two different beasts. X350 obviously has a modern look. X308 is more classic style. The X350's interior is roomier. I am in search right now for a low mile X350L. My brother is a Jaguar Master mechanic and he recommends to get 2004 or later but watch for the air suspension problem.

 

I majorly prefer the looks, both inside and outside of the x308. Just get a 2002 or 2003 if possible.

 

I like both cars.

The air suspension issue on the X350 can be alleviated by converting from the air suspension to a standard spring set-up. Expensive, but it does alleviate the compressor and leaking air shocks.

My $.02.

 

Can't help it, I love the x308... At least when it comes to the XJR that is... It really does feel like the last of its kind, the culmination of decades of improvement. It, quite frankly, feels like a Jaguar. Incredibly long, incredibly low, comfortable on the road and exceptionally adept in the corners...

And of course, it runs like a bat out of hell when you want it to. Make no mistake, these things are incredibly fun to drive.

I see a x350 and I see a big bulky bulbous town car. The looks try to harken back to the 308, but it almost looks like someone went and inflated a 308 with an air compressor. I'm not saying the look is BAD (it mirrors what lots of other models were doing at the time, like BMW or Merc), but it's not as much to my liking. That extends to the floaty suspension and the overall feel of the car. It doesn't feel like a Jag and it's not as fun to drive.

Which is the better car? By almost any measurable "statistic", the x350 is better. Better gas mileage, better interior space, better technology, more advanced chassis, more power.

Get behind the wheel and things change. I won't try to justify it with numbers or words. The X308 is sex on wheels. Plain and simple.

And it's less expensive, of course.

You won't really be disappointed driving either one.

 

So, it's unamimous, the folks on the X308 page like the X308 better. Slightly tainted test population...lol

It's all in what you prefer. I liked the s1, S2 and S3 XJ's and didn't like the look of the XJ40's. The the X300's came out and looked enough like the XJ's of yore that I liked..so I bought one. Then the X308's came out and I love them....as, apparently, we all do. I like the X350 less and the new XJ's not at all. should any of this matter to you...nope. if you like the X350, buy one.

 

Bought my '04 X350 about a year ago- replacing my '01 X308- there is no comparison between the way the cars drive- the 350 is far superior.
The appearance is subjective but the fact that the 350 has more modern proportions it will age even better than the 308 IMHO
Yes I had to repair the suspension but it is worth it. It is far more reliable then those German makes.
Just sayin'

 

Towards its high 90K's miles it was time to retire my old 1998 XJ8L; that, plus the fact that I had already tasted serious acceleration with my XJS (N2O), I badly wanted an XJR and the current production model was, then, the X350. But, every time we (+wife) looked at these, either new or lease return examples, we just couldn't get sold on it. We'd look back at our beautiful and shiny BRG X308 in the parking lot and ask ourselves "what are we doing"?

The front of the X350 is not bad (I used to own a '77 Series II), but we found that the looks from the rear was truly a disaster, plain and common like just one more of the otherwise undistinguished brands and NOT Jaguar whatsoever! Bulk and floating ride was a departure from Jaguar tradition. Even today, whenever I see one, I make it a point at looking at it from the back and giving it, yet, another chance at winning my vote, but it just gets worse... But I do like the dash on these cars, which may be one of the best of Jaguar dash boards in a manner similar to the original '97 thru '06 XK8/R dash presentation, probably because there's no such thing as "enough wood" for a proper Jaguar...

At that time I didn't know enough about the X308 XJR, so I couldn't compare the drive vs. that car. In the end, I did get to drive some X308 XJR's and I was instantly sold, so I found me a low-miles lease return car and the rest is history.

BTW, I think what dates the X308 is its low trunk/boot. It was already lower compared to most cars their same age, and then trunks kept going exponentially higher, and then fastback... The X350 trunk is higher, but it doesn't help it enough.

 

IMO, I think that's what keeps it from looking dated. And Im not arguing with you. Its styling wasn't dictated by competing trunk or head space. I feel it was styled to look great and if it fit you and your needs, great, if not, sorry.

Im 6'1 and I have limited head space and if my hair is spiky at all, none, but the car is flat out great looking and drives so nice, Im willing to sacrifice a tiny bit of comfort, and I drove this car from Texas without any issue in comfort mind you. If you look at the same gen M5 and E55 and all three pulled into the parking lot, you know the other two wont get another look unless they are super clean and its a car person that knows what they are, everyone else will ignore them, but, they will notice the Jag. Its styling is so ageless, people still can't believe it is a 13 year old car.

Chris

 

I must first confess that I don't know anything about 350s, but I had a 71 XJ6 and the 308 reminds me of it - Classic Jaguar look and lines + XJR results, in my opinion, in a great looking pedal to the metal car. I'm 65 and it's all still good ! ( miss my 71 ) !!

 

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. X350 rides much better as well.

 

Hi MoneyGreenJag,

Others have already given you excellent input on the mechanical and aesthetic diffrerences. I don't own an X308 (though I may someday!), but I do own an XJ40 and an X350. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, the X300 and X308 are both far more attractive and more traditionally "Jaguar" in their appearance, and I personally love them both. I'm 6'0" and the XJ40/X300/X308 cabin fits me perfectly, like the cockpit of a custom-tailored personal jet. I don't think you could go wrong with a late X308, especially if you can find a clean low-mileage 1 or 2 owner example, especially an XJR or a Vanden Plas (nicer leather and trimmings).

On the other hand, our '04 X350 XJR is the nicest driving road car we've ever owned, and the ~400 hp/400 lb. ft. pushing the lighter aluminum body is so addictive that driving any "normal" vehicle becomes slightly frustrating. We've had a few issues with the air suspension, but rebuilding the compressor myself was easy and cost only $50, and many air leaks can be cured with new O-rings, so the primary issue to be concerned about is a ruptured bladder in an air shocks. One of these days there may be a DIY solution for that as well.

The X350 looks have grown on me, especially in certain colors, so I would recommend that you drive the best examples of both the X308 and X350 before you make up your mind.

Cheers,

Don

 

Somewhere on JF, someone posted a picture of a X308 and a X350 parked next to each other at a dealer lot. Night and day.

 

IMO TATA motors ruined the Brand when they bought it from Ford. The XFR is an Infiniti the XKR is a Nissan Skyline and XJLWB is a BMW/MB/Lexus. My next Jag will be a 08 X350. I can afford a new car/Jag but anyone can buy a new car. I like driving a 15yr old that runs and drives new.

 

Try this: Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page

 

Thanks for the JL's link.
Man, how telling those pics are...
These pics just confirm it all. The X350 looks generic and common by comparison, especially from behind. The X308 looks like it was designed with a specific purpose and that is what it clearly conveys. Side by side with the X308 in the XJR trim, really exposes the X350's "bulge" and lack of identity.

I suppose this is one case where the looks overcome an otherwise fine machine. But, again, something had to change for a body design that in 2004 was already 9 years old, dating back to 1995. I just think that Jaguar had no clue as to which way to go with the car lines at the end of the X308. And then it got worse. They decided to throw away the entire Jaguar tradition with pityful sedans that I will never buy because -to me- they're just not "Jaguars". And, the story repeats itself with these later cars. The cars keep going up mechanically wise and going down looks wise (that is, Jaguar looks). Luckily, there are plenty of nice looks and performance cars out there and some are Jags, too...

Cheers,

 

It's relative: some are less beautiful, others are more beautiful. 😉

 

I'll throw in my reasoning behind the 308 versus the 350.

I ultimately decided on the 308 because ti was the last of the classic Jaguars in my eyes. The quirks present were what I wanted. Th e308 was the last time you got the fuel filler on top versus in the fender, the last single wiper, the last round headlights and the last forward opening hood.

Here is the fun part. Side gas is probably better, less chance for spillage, les leaves and junk to collect in there. The single wiper does not clear as much of the windshield as a multi wiper and the forward opening hood can sometimes be in the way. These oddities however made the Jaguar for me.

Although I think the 350 has some great cool features, it lost too much in translation.