Previously, I promised to update my impressions of my 2002 XKR convertible vs. those of my 2010 (new to me) XKR coupe. So here goes.

I picked up my 2002 XKR this afternoon from service at my mechanic's, where it's been for about 2 1/2 weeks waiting for a rebuilt differential (it was making a lot of noise). During that time I drove my 2010 coupe as I picked it up from all of its cosmetic upgrades at the same time that I dropped off the 2002. I drove it all morning, and then picked up the 2002, so I got to drive them back to back, which is what prompted this post.

Let's get the obvious stuff out of the way. The 5.0L supercharged engine of the 2010 is astonishing. There is simply no comparison to the 4.0L (or 4.2L) of my 2002. The acceleration, the passing, the top end is incredible! The paddle shiftiing 6 speed is also superior to the 5 speed Mercedes tranny especially when using it in manual mode, and the rev-matching downshifts are simply addicting and should carry a warning label. Just as obvious, the front clip of the 2002 is supermodel svelte and sensual whereas the 2010's is steroidal body builder, big and ponderous looking, not nearly as tapered or graceful. From the 'A' pillar back both cars are gorgeous in their own ways, and an argument could be made for either.

Now for the not so obvious. The 2010's handling is far superior, much less steering input needed, sharper, faster turn in, rear end much happier staying in line, and much more capable of handling speed. The 2010's suspension feels like it's cut of one piece, taking bumps, humps, lumps, and dips without any secondary moans and groans and at any speed. My 2002, even at 2mph, feels like there are three separate movements along with the corresponding noises when inching over a speed bump. When I first started driving it today after having driven the 2010 all morning, the steering wheel jiggled like a belly dancer's beads in comparison, yet, as a cruiser or covering long distance miles, the ride of the 2002 is infinitely more comfortable and grand, more GT car, less sports car. The road noise generated by the 20" low profile tires on the 2010 is transmitted into the cabin (even though it's a coupe) at a much higher decibel level than the 2002 with the top up and the 18" mid-profile tires. Although the seats of the 2010 are far more supportive and adjust 16 million ways, I don't find them as comfortable as my 2002's.

While speaking of the interior, I have to admit I like the one piece dash of the 2002 better, seems richer and with the overhang, doesn't have the terrible reflection in the windshield problem that is so prevalent in the 2010 that it appears you have a heads up display. Our older XKR's have the passenger airbag hidden behind a beautiful walnut platter, the new ones have a stitched cover that says, "Eat at Joe's, here's the airbag." It might as well have flashing lights around it.

Finally, in our older cars, you may not have a real temperature gauge, but at least you have something that gives you an indication that things are normal. No such luck on the 2010. No gauges of any kind, and try and check your oil? No dipstick! You must turn your car off for 15 minutes, turn your accessories ignition switch on and use your Nav screen to check your oil. Are you kidding???!!! Inexcusable that you have absolutely no information about how your $100,000 (msrp) car is running, hot or cold, with or without oil, while putting out well over 500hp. Just nutty.

Both cars are wonderful, both have some imperfections, and both give me great pleasure to drive and to ogle. They will be with me forever!

More observations next time.

 

XK8 is better looking!

 

...but the new shape is definitely growing on me...
Thanks tberg for the impartial comparison. I do like the 5l supercharged motor. It's mental!
M

P.S. Plse can someone fix the icon (2xt in 'ditto')

 

The newer body style is growing on me, especially the rear end of the coupe. Not sure I'm ready for a change and I can't afford to have both.

Thanks for the comparison. Good to have the info from someone who really uses his cars as they were intended.

 

When I want to roll in style with the top down, people looking and smiling, it is the XK8, if I want good old America ***** to the wall V8 6SP manual fun I drive my GTO. When I want to get my redneck on I get in my 93 Chevy with 276k and rusty. When I want to go classic muscle I get in my Chevelle, when I want bland but reliable I get in my 01 just acquired Honda Accord (funny thing, it happened today, was in a parking lot and could not find my car cause I was in the Honda, parked with so many others, ha ha).

 

brgjag,
Without any hesitation, I can honestly say that I have never owned an automobile that garners as many compliments as my 2002 XKR. Period. That includes many nice cars such as the Pantera (which on the rare occasions that I do drive it, gets many), the 2010 XKR (which seems to get thumbs up compliments every so often), and many others (as you can see under my avatar). People go out of their ways to compliment my convertible. In parking lots, at bus stops, on streets and freeways, at the golf course, at Sunday morning cars and coffee type events, virtually every day there are new comments added. That can only mean one thing, Jaguar got it right when they designed this car. It will join the XKE someday as a great automobile design that future generations look back at with great admiration.

The other day when I posted about that 2001 XKR coupe that had such low mileage and had all of the necessary upgrades on it while being so inexpensive, I actually entertained buying a third XKR, that's how much I like these older XK's. Thank goodness, someone else bought it right away.

Those of us that are fortunate enough to have nice examples ought to hold on to them not because they might be worth more money some day, but because of what an enjoyable car it is to own, drive, and look at right now. And one last little tidbit for those of us who golf every weekend, try getting two full sized cart bags and clubs into any modern convertible, it's not possible. Not only do I love the old school looks of the tonneau covered top, but the trunk is cavernous, making it an easy choice for trips that involve luggage.

Enjoy 'em.

 

I don't know if I could own two XK8 models. Kinda of a pain in the *** car to own from a repair side of things. My patience only goes so far. ha ha ha ha

 

Same here and with my luck they would always both be broken at the same time.


Dave

 

I have to agree. I WISH I could have that 5.0 paddle shifting engine in my xkr vert. What a nice smooth powerband..Not that the 4.0 SC isnt..But even compared to my 4.2 XJR the 4.0 seems a lil ehhh. I love the classic E type looking styling of the earlier body

Of all the cars Ive ever owned my xkr by far gets the most compliments. I literally cant drive to the store without someone asking about it or complimenting it. Mostly its what kind of car is that and the matte black paint. Kids are also drawn to wanting to feel the paint for some reason unfortunately. In a world of M and AMG cars by me it sticks out. People love it and more importantly I do.

 

XKR is the better looking vehicle by a long shot

 

Thank you for the comparison, With 10-15 years between they are not exactly apples to apples. Both hold their own for the era. I've too come to appreciate the newer lines but as many said when one has the XK out many people to look and comment. WE'll have to see how the new ones hold up to 10-12 years from now ;-) and see if they hold the same love we have for our XKs.

 

I got my 2002 back yesterday afternoon, and boy did I miss it. While I had to "suffer" for a couple of weeks by driving my 2010, when I got home last night, I waxed my old cat even though I'd done it about a month ago. It was a welcome home present. Early this morning, top down, warm breeze blowing, I picked up my best friend, and we headed to the golf course about a 40 minute drive away. This is a grand tourer in the grandest of traditions, I love driving this car, and I absolutely love its classic looks. Does it meet the same standard of performance as the 2010, absolutely not. Do I like driving it just as much (actually more), absolutely and emphatically YES!

These were special cars when they were first released, and they're still very special now. A lot is said about the "sense of occasion" one gets when driving an Aston, but everytime I get behind the wheel of my 2002, I get that same feeling. My 2010 can only aspire to give me that feeling some day.

Hold on to these cars, they'll be appreciated as much as the XKE some day, and you can enjoy them for "peanuts." (Can you tell how much I really like mine?)

 

Sage advice. I washed mine this evening at sunset, and as usual, had to go drive it for an hour afterwards. A sense of occasion indeed.

As I mentioned earlier, tberg, a 2012 XKR-S coupe is my next goal in a few years (Porsches aren't doing it for me anymore- I'm a big GT kinda guy now). But I'll plan to hang onto my current XKR to get my 'classic' British roadster kicks.

 

Thank You for a fabulous comparison TBerg. Each point makes sense. When I drove the new models at a Jaguar Alive event, they were GREAT, but they didn't have that something special my 2000 XKR convertible does. Will likely get a newer version someday (that 5.0 liter is something) but my bride insists (and I agree) that we must keep the 2000, always.

Looking forward to your future musings.

Cheers.

 

I still like playing with the X100s, just could not get my head around the X150, however I don't mind the 2013 version and the XKR-S would be phenomenal car to have......

But I think I will be saving up for the F Type 5.0 R, I will just change the front bumper to look more like the XK oval mouth, not a fan of the Audi looking thing even though I do have a 2014 front on my old XJR......

 

No, when the XK8 was introduced in 1996 it was instantly given accolades as one of the most beautiful car designs with tons of awards. Certainly a game changer. Now the new XK looks nice but hasn't had the same impact of the previous model's design.

 

Man how hard was it to convert the 2014 front on a older XJR?! Got a link? I'll love to see that.

 

Haha it is still a work in progress, I am doing some big mods, all for giggles and my own use not so much to produce, I don't think there will be any demand.....

I do have a build thread going in the X308 forum