F Type Convertible- Tips & Advice Needed..

[Chad_Hugo]

Hi Everyone,

My first post in the Jaguar forum, as I am considering getting a convertible for summer (if it ever gets here!) and the F type is pretty much at the top of my list after a lot of research and driving an V8 type R.

It will be my first Jag, and also first convertible. I do however have a couple of other fun/weekend cars which I am keeping for short term at least so the miles I do in it will be limited to 1500-200 per year, and it will be more or less just summer use so because of that have a bit of a dilemma on which car to go for.

I am open to V6/V8/ and even possibly SVR, but don't want to spend a lot more I don't need to (if that makes sense).

The only one I have driven so far was a V8 R which was great- the sound as we all know by now is immense and has got to be one of the best sounding super charged cars ever, certainly for the money it really does put a smile on your face.

V6 pre 2018a and pre GPF, to my ears at least sounds almost if not as good though.

I'm ideally like to hear from owners on their experiences, anyone owned a V6 & V8 either after or before?

Anyone done a lot of miles in booth and can share their experiences?

The SVR premium to a good V8R seems to be 10k looking at 2016/17 cars of both years- worth it? The bhp is very similar, there is a sports exhaust upgrade but not sure from the clips I have heard if this actually makes any material difference? The carbon fibre spoiler I can certainly live without..

Lastly, as I am open to a V6 as well, and keen to try one- what is the V6 dynamic R? The different V6 variants do confuse me. I know there is V6 & V6S which is clear but in 2017 there was also a 'dynamic R' version and this has a P340 and P380 variant apparently. When I look at different cars from the same year though (2017 for e.g.) 80% come up as 375 bhp and just 2-3 are 335 bhp, is that autotrader error and how do I know which car has what power in reality and which version it is as the badge on all just says dynamic R?

Thanks in advance for any help..

[Chad_Hugo]

Thank you, I agree the F Type for me is all about fun and noise, its not about precision, and that's just how I like it as I never track my cars and am no driving god

Its quite confusing to figure out which model to focus on and ultimately go for as there are just so many variants and such a wide price spread between a standard early non S V6 and a V8 SVR there is up to a 40K gap.

I think the consensus from what I have read seems (just about) seems to be that the V8 R is the one to go for.

Its massively more powerful than a V6S, but I'm not sure all that extra bhp has made such a massive difference, granted the V8 R will feel faster but, does it feel radically faster, is there a lot on it? In terms of exhaust note I think both are as good/loud as each other more or less on the non GPF cars, at least from my limited experience. The V8 is deeper, the V6 a bit more shrill/high pitch, if anything I lean slightly more towards the later, but again I don't have much experience going of clips, I have driven only the V8R.

The running costs seem very similar, price gap of around 9k-10k looking at cars with comparable age and miles.

Was really hoping to hear from owners of V6S/V8R on their experiences and opinions..

I'm not aware of any video reviews directly comparing both back to back? If any exist please feel free to share them..

[Chad_Hugo]

scz4 said:

I somehow missed this thread.

I owned a V6S for 3 years and driven 3x V8's including a 24 hour drive in a 2018 AWD from Hertz where I managed 550 miles. You wouldn't be disappointed in either. Miracle both left the factory sounding so good. I'm always the first person to upgrade an exhaust system, but absolutely no need on the F-Type, other than disconnecting the vacuum pipe so the exhaust valve is permanently open.

Generally the V6 is a lot more raspy than the V8 which tends to sound a lot deeper. The V6 produces a wider variety of different sounds depending on the throttle load or revs. It sounds more urgent in many ways, really gets the adrenalin going as you work up the revs. Watch this video to get what I mean:



The most accurate word I can use to describe the V8 is monotone. It's the same noise throughout the rev range, just increasing in volume, but what a sound it is! I'm considering a return to the facelift V8, probably a P450.

Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 7th May 17:41

I think I am responsible for a good % of the views on that clip

Jokes aside, I love that review as I am sure most people do weather fans or owners of an F Type, it can make anyone start to fall in love with the car..

From my own experience as limited as it is, I think you summarised the sounds of the V6S very well and more or less hit the nail on the head.

The V8 sounds a lot deeper and more baritone, the V6S has to my ears a better tone, and as you say a greater range in tone, also seems just as loud if not louder due to the higher pitch perhaps? In any case, the sound is not inferior despite the smaller engine output and as a V6S owner you would in no way feel short changed.

Thank you very much to everyone who contributed their experience and insight.

I was initially more interested in the V6S or some version of it like a 400 Sport, I do already have a V8 car which I am keeping for now at least, so in a way have the V8 base covered. Has to be convertible, as I have other hard top coupe cars to drive so and would want a convertible to offer some variety, also never owned one before (of any variety) so would like to try one.

I have discounted the SVR as the very small increase in bhp is nothing at that level, the carbon spoiler I can live without (mixed feelings on it visually) and also the different exhaust is no real bonus on such a loud car. The firmer suspension if indeed it is firmer is also not something which would attract me. Interesting comment on SVR vs Porsche 911 Turbo S. Had a 997 Turbo S years ago. I think comparing for e.g. a 2017 SVR and a 991.2 Turbo S from same year the Porsche would do a lot more than 'trouble it'. Speed wise there is only one winner there, the Turbo S has consistently produced 0-60 times of 2.8-2.9 seconds, not that it matters to me much but just saying..

I think I just need to drive a V6S now, looking forward to it.