911 or XKR, discuss...
Discussion
I'm after a convertible (but with rear seats for the ickle ones). Have narrowed it down to a 996 cab or a XKR convertible. Not impressed by 996 interior or low spec, but should be better come re-sale time. XKR gives you a lot for your money, but too similar to current XJR. Opinoins please..............
The two cars are like chalk and cheese. The only similarities are that they are two "premium" brand 2+2 convertibles. Sit in them, drive them and you'll very soon know which one is for you.
The 996 is a modern sports car. It looks OK and the interior is passable. However, it excels in it's responsiveness. It is light and agile and extremely rewarding to drive fast. Conversely, the XKR is stunning to look at both inside and out. Sitting in it even without the car moving is an experience in itself. It exudes beauty and craftsmanship. Once you are driving you'll feel the "weight" of the car. It's much more Grand Tourer than sports car. The 400bhp grunt means it certainly shifts. However, unless you're The Stig you'll find you are only using the power on straight dry roads.
That's just my opinion after having driven both vehicles (albiet in Coupe rather than Convertible form). Nice choice to have to make. Enjoy!
pp
The 996 is a modern sports car. It looks OK and the interior is passable. However, it excels in it's responsiveness. It is light and agile and extremely rewarding to drive fast. Conversely, the XKR is stunning to look at both inside and out. Sitting in it even without the car moving is an experience in itself. It exudes beauty and craftsmanship. Once you are driving you'll feel the "weight" of the car. It's much more Grand Tourer than sports car. The 400bhp grunt means it certainly shifts. However, unless you're The Stig you'll find you are only using the power on straight dry roads.
That's just my opinion after having driven both vehicles (albiet in Coupe rather than Convertible form). Nice choice to have to make. Enjoy!
pp
The 996 Cab is a sports car...I'd certainly have one if I needed the vestigial rear seats - which are probably better than the ones in the XK8. The XK8 Cabrio is a GT not a sports car. So it depends on what you want.
Having said that the 996 cab is no looker (and I am a Porsche nut - absolutely love 'em) although, as I say, I'd have one and the XK8 Cabrio is dribblingly gorgeous...
Assuming you *must* have cabrio:
If you want waftmatic effortless cruising, gorgeous looks (IMO) and a relaxing, easy drive get an XK8. If you want a harder edged sports car get the 996. If you can do without the rear seats - seriously consider a 997 Boxster S.
Having said that the 996 cab is no looker (and I am a Porsche nut - absolutely love 'em) although, as I say, I'd have one and the XK8 Cabrio is dribblingly gorgeous...
Assuming you *must* have cabrio:
If you want waftmatic effortless cruising, gorgeous looks (IMO) and a relaxing, easy drive get an XK8. If you want a harder edged sports car get the 996. If you can do without the rear seats - seriously consider a 997 Boxster S.
800 said:
I'm after a convertible (but with rear seats for the ickle ones). Have narrowed it down to a 996 cab or a XKR convertible. Not impressed by 996 interior or low spec, but should be better come re-sale time. XKR gives you a lot for your money, but too similar to current XJR. Opinoins please..............
nice dilemma, enjoy!
it would be the xkr for me. so tasteful. never been in one but cpl of friends have xk8 coupes, few yrs old, very reliable, beautiful cars.
i guess the porsche would be the better choice if you're a harder driver.
ttfn
Pickled Piper said:
The two cars are like chalk and cheese. The only similarities are that they are two "premium" brand 2+2 convertibles. Sit in them, drive them and you'll very soon know which one is for you.
The 996 is a modern sports car. It looks OK and the interior is passable. However, it excels in it's responsiveness. It is light and agile and extremely rewarding to drive fast. Conversely, the XKR is stunning to look at both inside and out. Sitting in it even without the car moving is an experience in itself. It exudes beauty and craftsmanship. Once you are driving you'll feel the "weight" of the car. It's much more Grand Tourer than sports car. The 400bhp grunt means it certainly shifts. However, unless you're The Stig you'll find you are only using the power on straight dry roads.
That's just my opinion after having driven both vehicles (albiet in Coupe rather than Convertible form). Nice choice to have to make. Enjoy!
pp
A very good summary! I have driven both and I really wanted to 'want' the 996, but I felt a bit disappointed by the roughness of the whole experience. My head is finding it hard to justify an older 996, which feels pretty basic compared to an XKR. However, I agree it is a nice choice to have to make and I don't want to regret it two months down the line.....
FourWheelDrift said:
Difficult decision......
Have you discounted the Maserati 4200 GT Spyder? The Maserati is always pitted against the XKR in tests. Funnily the Porsche 996 was put up against the XJR in a test I recall in Top Gear
Maserati - would do, but convertible only has 2 seats, big shame, otherwise possibly the best of both worlds.
TVR. No seriously, I probably couldnt decide either. Actually, Ive not driven the porsche, I have an xkr, and I would imagine its a question of if you want wafty comfort or something a bit... less refined. Both nice cars though imo.
>> Edited by chrisbr68 on Tuesday 22 February 16:11
>> Edited by chrisbr68 on Tuesday 22 February 16:11
polar993 said:
If you need to ask....Then the XKR is clearly the one for you.
What he said
Clearly I'm a big girls blouse and not up to a real sports car...........you both might be right....... Didn't take the 911 on any twisty stuff in anger, but I was surprised at how - dare I say it - TVR it felt!
I'm trying to persuade my self that the 911 will be a 'grower' rather and an instant hit. Problem with the XK is that it only comes with automatic transmission, so it's not much of a sports car - it really is in the GT bracket. Fine if you like bombing down motorways a lot, but I guess the fact that you want a convertible means you also like a bit of a thrash, in which case I'd recommend the 911 with manual transmission and traction control switched off.
XK has a V8, but then 996 sounds great too.
If you want a car to chuck about, has to be 996.
If you want to cruise, get the Jag.
I guess that the XKR is more focused than the XK8 but I was very disappointed in the latter.....
996 is great apart from the centre console digging into my left leg....
If you want a car to chuck about, has to be 996.
If you want to cruise, get the Jag.
I guess that the XKR is more focused than the XK8 but I was very disappointed in the latter.....
996 is great apart from the centre console digging into my left leg....
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff