S-type R vs XJR vs XKR (previous model)

[jagseven]

I understand all of these cars have the same 400bhp engine and 6-speed gearbox. Is this right or are there some small differences eg. gear ratios?
I have the XJR but have never driven the S-type R or XKR.

I assume the performance feels the same or does the XJR's aluminium body actually make a difference you can feel?
How do the cars compare in terms of ride and handling?
Does the XJR's air suspension make that much difference - good or bad?

[simonb9]

I'd be interested in somebody giving their experience on this thread, all three sound like stonkingly good motors. Is there anymore headroom in an S Type than an XJR ?? I'm 6'2'' and found not much space left in the XJ. Could always get the XKR convertible....now that would solve the problem fullstop.

[Phil Hopkins]

jagseven said:

I understand all of these cars have the same 400bhp engine and 6-speed gearbox. Is this right or are there some small differences eg. gear ratios?
I have the XJR but have never driven the S-type R or XKR.

I assume the performance feels the same or does the XJR's aluminium body actually make a difference you can feel?
How do the cars compare in terms of ride and handling?
Does the XJR's air suspension make that much difference - good or bad?

They all have the same Engine & Gearbox, as to ratios I have no idea.

I've found having driven all of them on many occasions the best of the lot to drive is the S-TYPE R. It feels so planted, the V8 is mated to a very solid chassis and it just feels so poised on the road.

The XKR is based on the old XJS chassis and you can feel it. It doesn't give you as much confidence going into the corners as an S-TYPE R does. - That said, it's probably marginally quicker being a smaller car.

The XJR on the other hand is stonkingly quick with it being all aluminium and doesn't handle like its size would suggest. It's very very agile and you can really chuck it about. I once got the opportunity to race one round Oulton park and bloody hell it was good fun. Sadly though, when the roads get a bit damp, the lack of weight really becomes apparent and if you're pressing on, it can become a bit of a handful where the S-TYPE R / XKR stay more poised.

On balance if I were looking for a drivers car, i'd go with the S-TYPE R. For style, i'd go with the XKR and for pace and refinement i'd buy the XJR.

[Phil Hopkins]

simonb9 said:

I'd be interested in somebody giving their experience on this thread, all three sound like stonkingly good motors. Is there anymore headroom in an S Type than an XJR ?? I'm 6'2'' and found not much space left in the XJ. Could always get the XKR convertible....now that would solve the problem fullstop.

I'm also 6'2" and don't have any problem whatsoever in the XJ so i'm suprised you do? With the seat setting all the way to the bottom it's actually a touch too low for me.

The S-TYPE is pretty similiar for head room compared to the XJ, It may have literally a couple of centimetres more though.

The convertible would definately solve the problem (providing it doesn't rain). The Coupe would be massively worse than both XJ & S-TYPE.

[cerbman]

Is there any real difference between todays S type R and the previous car which is the one I'll have to go for?

[Phil Hopkins]

Slight exterior styling differences and an aluminium bonnet. That's about it.

[cerbman]

The older car is just as fast and enjoyable?

Edited by cerbman on Sunday 3rd September 13:30

[Phil Hopkins]

Yep, they made no engine or gearbox modifications at all for the facelift. I actually prefer the look of the pre-facelift model anyway.

[cerbman]

Many thanks

[a8hex]

Phil Hopkins said:

simonb9 said:

I'd be interested in somebody giving their experience on this thread, all three sound like stonkingly good motors. Is there anymore headroom in an S Type than an XJR ?? I'm 6'2'' and found not much space left in the XJ. Could always get the XKR convertible....now that would solve the problem fullstop.

I'm also 6'2" and don't have any problem whatsoever in the XJ so i'm suprised you do? With the seat setting all the way to the bottom it's actually a touch too low for me.

When I was looking at X300s then the sun roof made a huge difference to the amount of headroom.
I choose one without.

Cheers
Ken

[job38]

Yup, what he said, XJR without sunroof has OK headroom.

XKR convertible has worst headrom of all.

[Phil Hopkins]

I assume we're all talking about X350s here?

[jagseven]

My XJR (X350) has a sunroof and I'm also 6'2" - I have no problems with headroom.

Phil - thanks for your comments. Your experiences are in line with my expectations. The XJR certainly feels very agile for its size, but when I tried a diesel S-type I was impressed with the way it handled, so may be tempted by an S-type R for my next car.

[jamesk]

The S-type diesel is a stunning car in basically every respect. See how many are for sale 2nd hand to get a picture of their popularity.

I am desperately convincing myself I need an XJR to replace my old 540 saloon but the rear space and boto space is annoyingly small on such a large looking car. I am 6'5" tall so I guess a sunroof is out for me

[cardigankid]

You do need an XJR. Absolutely fantastic car and the headroom is immensely better than it was on the X300. I'm 6'2" and have acres of space.

I've not driven an S Type R but the 4.2 V8 leaves you in no doubt.

Is there a Nicosil issue with buying the pre facelift model?

[Phil Hopkins]

No mate, that was only in the 4.0 AJ-V8s it was sorted before the 4.2s were introduced.

[a8hex]

cardigankid said:

You do need an XJR.

But which one?
X300, X308 or X350?
There wer XJRs of all of these and also XJ40s IIRC but that was rather different, not SuperCharged.

cardigankid said:

Absolutely fantastic car and the headroom is immensely better than it was on the X300. I'm 6'2" and have acres of space.

I've not driven an S Type R but the 4.2 V8 leaves you in no doubt.

Is there a Nicosil issue with buying the pre facelift model?