350Z to S Type R or XJR ?
Discussion
I have decided to have a change, I have a 350Z convertible, I reckon I can run to about ten grand, or a bit more if I take out some finance, would prefer to not have to, so do I pay a bit more for a nice X350 XJR or would the S Type suit more after the 350Z ?
Is the S Type R much quicker than the 350Z, I know it has another 100 bhp but its quite heavy and has an auto box, am I going to notice the extra performance ?
Is the S Type R much quicker than the 350Z, I know it has another 100 bhp but its quite heavy and has an auto box, am I going to notice the extra performance ?
Not owned either, but have driven my brothers S-Type R quite a few times and it is an awesome bit of kit. I would imagine that the S-Type R is closer to the 350z just because it is less barge like than the XJR. I don't know how softly sprung the XJR is but you can certainly attack the corners in an STR (not that I ever did that in my brother's ... oh no!)
Doobs said:
Not owned either, but have driven my brothers S-Type R quite a few times and it is an awesome bit of kit. I would imagine that the S-Type R is closer to the 350z just because it is less barge like than the XJR. I don't know how softly sprung the XJR is but you can certainly attack the corners in an STR (not that I ever did that in my brother's ... oh no!)
An X350 XJR is 130kg lighter than an S-Type R. Aluminium is a lot lighter than steel.I like the look of this one. That's a lot of car for the dosh, plus it's a late one with little miles - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
plasticpig said:
Doobs said:
Not owned either, but have driven my brothers S-Type R quite a few times and it is an awesome bit of kit. I would imagine that the S-Type R is closer to the 350z just because it is less barge like than the XJR. I don't know how softly sprung the XJR is but you can certainly attack the corners in an STR (not that I ever did that in my brother's ... oh no!)
An X350 XJR is 130kg lighter than an S-Type R. Aluminium is a lot lighter than steel.There are a lot of relatively small differences which will balance out to each being as enjoyable as the other in my view. The XJR is the more accomplished car but it is bigger feeling again. The STR feels a little smaller and has a sportier focus but grip levels etc are very similar.
A lot of the bits bolted to the body shell are common between the X202 (post 2002 S-Type) and X350 (first aluminium body XJ) but there are a couple of things on both which are potential cost sources although not specific weaknesses - for example CATS dampers which cost more than passive dampers and adjustable ride height (which the STR doesn't have).
You should try them both. They're both great cars and both capable, but with a different subjective feel.
A lot of the bits bolted to the body shell are common between the X202 (post 2002 S-Type) and X350 (first aluminium body XJ) but there are a couple of things on both which are potential cost sources although not specific weaknesses - for example CATS dampers which cost more than passive dampers and adjustable ride height (which the STR doesn't have).
You should try them both. They're both great cars and both capable, but with a different subjective feel.
I worked at a Jag dealer when these were new and have driven loads of both.
I own a 2006MY STR
I find the air suspention on the XJR slightly messes up the feel of driving the car, and for me thats a deal breaker. Its just not the same as coil springs and dampers.Also it can be troublesome, you will need a pump at some point.
Both cars have CATS adaptive damping, when you tip into a bend fast or brake / accelerate hard they switch to firm. You cannot switch yourself, that wasnt the done thing back then. These days we have loud exhaust and firm damper buttons.
XJR is slightly faster and has a nicer more spacious cabin.
You need to drive both really. But my vote would be STR.
They are very fast once rolling, 50 to 100 is propperly quick. Standing starts can make then feel slow compared to modern turbo hatches, as they have open rear diffs and getting off the line is tricky.
I've been done upto 30 by a focus ST before. But I've stayed with a 911 Carrera S from 70 to 100.
I own a 2006MY STR
I find the air suspention on the XJR slightly messes up the feel of driving the car, and for me thats a deal breaker. Its just not the same as coil springs and dampers.Also it can be troublesome, you will need a pump at some point.
Both cars have CATS adaptive damping, when you tip into a bend fast or brake / accelerate hard they switch to firm. You cannot switch yourself, that wasnt the done thing back then. These days we have loud exhaust and firm damper buttons.
XJR is slightly faster and has a nicer more spacious cabin.
You need to drive both really. But my vote would be STR.
They are very fast once rolling, 50 to 100 is propperly quick. Standing starts can make then feel slow compared to modern turbo hatches, as they have open rear diffs and getting off the line is tricky.
I've been done upto 30 by a focus ST before. But I've stayed with a 911 Carrera S from 70 to 100.
Swapped my TVR for an STR.
Still have the STR and love to drive it, feels like a sports car to drive.
Handles very well for a big car, that CATS suspension works well.
But as said, getting off the line in cold damp conditions needs skill due to the huge power, should really have an LSD. But they can be fitted if your serious.
Rear leg room is a bit tight on mine (2002) so might be a consideration?
I personally prefer the S retro styling.
Still have the STR and love to drive it, feels like a sports car to drive.
Handles very well for a big car, that CATS suspension works well.
But as said, getting off the line in cold damp conditions needs skill due to the huge power, should really have an LSD. But they can be fitted if your serious.
Rear leg room is a bit tight on mine (2002) so might be a consideration?
I personally prefer the S retro styling.
I've never owned or even driven a 350Z but on paper both the S Type R and the XJR are faster. The XJR in particular will be so much more refined than the Nissan that I imagine it may not feel that much faster.
I've owned both an S Type R and an XJR. I loved them both. The STR was nearly new when I owned it, some years ago obviously, and it was one of the few cars I've owned which exceeded my expectations.
The XJR I owned only a couple of years ago, it had only 11k miles so was as close to a new car as you would find. I would have another tomorrow if I could find a really good one.
To me the XJR is the last traditional Jaguar. It retains a styling link to the original XJ6, it reminds me of the old XJ12's in that it has effortless, refined performance and yet rides so well. It's lighter and faster that the STR and is the first of the aluminium saloons.
Low mileage XJR's are already appreciating in value so you may have to look harder to find one in your budget.
Whatever you choose I don't think you'll be disappointed, but make sure you do your homework before buying. A bad example of either will be a nightmare.
I've owned both an S Type R and an XJR. I loved them both. The STR was nearly new when I owned it, some years ago obviously, and it was one of the few cars I've owned which exceeded my expectations.
The XJR I owned only a couple of years ago, it had only 11k miles so was as close to a new car as you would find. I would have another tomorrow if I could find a really good one.
To me the XJR is the last traditional Jaguar. It retains a styling link to the original XJ6, it reminds me of the old XJ12's in that it has effortless, refined performance and yet rides so well. It's lighter and faster that the STR and is the first of the aluminium saloons.
Low mileage XJR's are already appreciating in value so you may have to look harder to find one in your budget.
Whatever you choose I don't think you'll be disappointed, but make sure you do your homework before buying. A bad example of either will be a nightmare.
I have an STR and the performance is amazing once you get it rolling. You will notice a great difference coming out of junctions just like I did as I came from a Boxster. Any amount of lock from standstill and its hard to avoid wheel spin even if you are just being a bit nippy. But if you accelerate from say 30mph there is nothing like it!
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff