X308 - 3.2 or 4.0

[Mon Ami Mate]

I want an X308 and naturally assume I want the bigger engine, but is there much real world difference between them?

[FWDRacer]

Very much so.

I've had the pleasure of driving both. If you are searching for "Effortless" pace, there is only one choice. Bigger capacity every time.

[MEC]

I bought a 4.0 XJ8 a few months ago and didn't consider the 3.2 at all. It seemed to offer no advantage and was no more economical. That said, there do seem to be far more 3.2's for sale?

[Mon Ami Mate]

I'm familiar with the 4.0l because I have one in my XK8 convertible. I have no experience of the 3.2l. I've just had my right ankle fused so need an auto to drive for a while while I'm, erm, finding my feet. I love my X Type 3.0l Sport Manual but don't think I'm going to be able to drive it for a while. I understand it's a different type of car, and to be honest I'm not going to be feeling like challenging driving experiences for a while, but I can't bear the thought of driving something that is too soggy and I don't want to rack up the miles on the XK. So I'm thinking of buying a 308, running it for a few months until I'm a bit stronger and then getting rid of it and going back to the X Type. Of course, there is always the possibility I'll end up falling in love with the 308...

[jcelee]

I drove both and bought a 3.2 Sport on condition (and the fact I could not live without the sports seats). A 4.0 with Sports seats is rare and I have to say neither hugely faster nor more effortless. Its a great comfy fast cruising barge but no sports car.

[AmitG]

I owned a 3.2 X308 and a 4.0 X308 in succession, both bought in similar condition. In my experience, if you keep below 70mph and don't hoon, there isn't much difference. If you drive above 70mph, or you want to enjoy "spirited" driving on country roads, you notice the difference.

Hard acceleration - e.g. overtaking on country roads, changing from 30mph to NSL - is when you really notice it.

Finally, a well cared-for 3.2 may outperform a neglected 4.0.

My 4.0 (Daimler V8 LWB in dark green) was the best car I ever owned. I still miss it, especially the separate rear seats with individual electric adjustment and heating

[varsas]

Oddly the brochure says the 4 litre is more economical...

[AmitG]

varsas said:

Oddly the brochure says the 4 litre is more economical...

In my experience that was true. My fuel economy was maybe 2mpg better in the 4.0 given the same driving style.

Didn't the 4.0 have variable valve timing, unlike the 3.2? Or did I just imagine that?

[varsas]

AmitG said:

varsas said:

Oddly the brochure says the 4 litre is more economical...

In my experience that was true. My fuel economy was maybe 2mpg better in the 4.0 given the same driving style.

Didn't the 4.0 have variable valve timing, unlike the 3.2? Or did I just imagine that?

I believe both N/A engines had variable valve timing, it was the supercharged version used in the R which did not.