Re: XK8R

[stephen kurtzman <stephen@kurtzman.com>]

>So do I take it you prefer to drive the XK8? Convertible or coupe? I
>have a 96 XJR, and had an XK8 convertible for an extensive weekend
>run. I really liked the XK8, but the XJR felt a little quicker off the
>mark. The XK8's suspension was good - not quite so harsh as the XJR. I
>was still a little put off by the flexing in the XK8, good though it
>is compared to other ragtops. At the end of the weekend, I was still
>happy to get in the XJR, and I'm not sure I'd give it up for the XK8.
>Of course, having both (like you) would probably be the ideal. Busy
>getting plans submitted to extend my garage!

My XK8 is a convertible (Red and Coffee). You are right about the XJR
feeling quicker. I know the stats say that the cars are pretty close, but I
love the response the XJR gives when you floor it -- the rev up, the slight
delay as it downshifts, followed by that kick gives a real rush of
excitement. The XK8 is different. It doesn't kick; it slides up the power
smoothly and doesn't provide quite the same rush.

It is hard to say that I prefer to drive one or the other. Both cars have
their strong points. And I haven't driven the XK8 long enough to have a
strong preference. I have noticed that hopping in the XJR after driving the
XK8 makes you think the XJR is the better car -- but the reverse is also
true.

You are right that having both is the ideal.

For now, the XK8 is my daily driver and the wife is driving the XJR. I
don't know what I'm going to do when the XK8R hits. If it combines the best
of the XJR and XK8, I guess I'll just go deeper into debt.

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Follow-Ups:

• Re: XK8R
• From: Doug Heinen <povtybay@wolfenet.com>
• Re: XK8R
• From: sdawson@pobox.com (Steve Dawson)

References:

• RE: XK8R
• From: stephen kurtzman <stephen@kurtzman.com>
• Re: XK8R
• From: sdawson@pobox.com (Steve Dawson)

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