Range Rover Sport vs Velar

[SchillingTwo]

I mentioned on another thread that I’m looking for a car to replace my old RR Sport Autobiography and was asking for some ideas.

I’m heavily leaning towards a 2021 RR Sport SVR but while browsing for a good example came across a few of the Velar with the V8 engine in. It seems overall to offer a pretty similar package to the Sport for a bit less money and I would love to hear some opinions and comparisons from people who’ve tried or owned both.

On paper they look really similar, and I’m going to struggle to arrange a proper test drive in each given how few there are and on the fact that they now tend to be sold outside of the main dealer network. Ten or fifteen minutes to check all is OK mechanically is about the best I think I’ll get which is not much to judge the best car to do 50,000 miles in over the next five years.

[Debaser]

How about the F-Pace SVR? Might be easier to get a test drive.

[SchillingTwo]

Is that pretty similar to the Velar in terms of drive? If so I’ll try to give it a try.

I did try one seven years ago, before instead buying the current car, but don’t really remember now how it compared.

[Debaser]

It's off the same platform so not radically different, it's a bit firmer and more engaging to drive.

[CountyLines]

Debaser said:

How about the F-Pace SVR? Might be easier to get a test drive.

I was in same boat as OP and went with a 22 plate F-Pace SVR. Its simply a better drive because it's a good deal lighter. I'll never go off road so that wasn't a consideration. Same epic engine and doesn't have the 'image issues' that the RR Sport SVR has.

Of all the cars I've had this is the one that has exceeded my expectations by the greatest margin.

Hell of a daily for £50k.

Edited by CountyLines on Monday 22 June 16:42

Edited by CountyLines on Monday 22 June 16:42

[smithyithy]

Always thought the Velar SV seemed like a real sweet spot, pity they didn't seem to make them for very long..

Quick Google suggests the Velar is ~3 inches shorter and narrower, ~6 inches lower, and about 250kg lighter. It's probably still not going to feel like a sports car, but I've been passenger in an RR SVR and although you definitely feel the shove from that engine, you also certainly feel the weight and size of the car itself.

As already mentioned though, I think the F-Pace SVR is a lovely motor too