S-type R vs XJR (X350)

[vladman]

Hi,

Which is a better car to drive?

I know they both have the same engine and gearbox, and that the XJR is some considerable 100+ kgs lighter. Does that make it a bit quicker and more agile too?

Oh, and another (very small) thing... Does the XJR retain the "negative" message LED screens, like the X308 car had (black background, green luminous letters), against more conventional (and boring) black letters on luminous green background, like in the S-type R.

Does the XJR have a bigger fuel tank?

Is the gearing on both cars exactly the same?

When was the XJR face-lifted? I know the S-type R was facelifted in 2004... Are the pre and post-facelift XJRs differences mostly stylistic, like on the S-type R?

I have an S-type R (2002), and it's a great car in most respects, but I much prefer the looks of an XJR... hence the curiosity.

Thanks!

[The Leaper]

V,

I think your post indicates you're suffering from withdrawal symptoms because you had an XJR for a few months and replaced it with the S-Type R.!! I think you may agree with me that the later car actually make better sense economically, particularly taking account of what you paid for it. However, when it comes to the two cars, what's economy got to do with it anyway?

R.

[vladman]

Leaper, was I that obivous!??

Yes, I miss the low, sleek, timeless lines of the XJR, but I like the new engine, gearbox (and fuel economy!) of the S-type R, and was wondering if an XJR (X350) combines all those things, or if it's not that simple...

[a8hex]

You need to have a chat with RGCs about dropping the new drive train into the X308 and get the best of both worlds. I know they've converted a number of 4.0 engines to 4.2 spec. But converting the gearbox would be a bit more difficult, you'd need to replace that

[Triple7]

The new XJR floats around on air suspension which doesn't give it that ultimate feel the more traditional set that the S-Type R provides. For fun factor the S every time, but for looks the XJR every time!

G