Considering moving from an XJ40 Daimler to a V8 XJR

[cwis]

And so I have an mpg question! The Daimler is not much longer for this world with rust related issues, but it has kindled a Jag addiction....

I'm getting 25MPG (4.0 auto) average, 27 on a run. I must drive like my grannie, but with similar treatment what would a V8 XJR do? I suppose what I am asking is: Are the later engines more or less efficient at real world cruising speeds?

Chris

[BigNige]

Not got an R only an XJ8 Sovereign but I get 28-30 or so on a run and about 23 around town.

Dunno if that helps?

[Cecil]

I have an X308 XJR and it seems to be around 19MPG avg. Sometimes on a long run you can geta wee bit more, round town it is not good at all.

[G_T]

My 70K '98 XJR gets;

19.5 MPG AVG (Over 3000 odd miles)
21-23 MPG motorway (Cruise control/no hills)
~18 MPG when hooned over B roads for 20miles or so (Surprisingly little difference!)

You're better off just driving like a lunatic all the time to get the most value for money on fuel if I'm honest.

[BigNige]

I say, what a bunch of ruffians in those R's...what what?

[groomi]

cwis said:

And so I have an mpg question! The Daimler is not much longer for this world with rust related issues, but it has kindled a Jag addiction....

I'm getting 25MPG (4.0 auto) average, 27 on a run. I must drive like my grannie, but with similar treatment what would a V8 XJR do? I suppose what I am asking is: Are the later engines more or less efficient at real world cruising speeds?

Chris

I went from a 4.0 XJ40 Sovereign to an X308 XJR.

My XJ40 economy was a touch lower than yours (23mpg av, 25/26mpg on a run). My XJR is more like 19mpg av and 22/23mpg on a run.

I would also say that althought the performance and handling of the XJR are a great thrill, I personally find the ride dissappointing after the XJ40.

[cwis]

Ta for all the replies chaps! It looks like even with my helium filled shoes I'll lose a couple of MPG, which is fine.

Groomi - VERY interesting comment about the ride. Even though my Daimler has 169000 miles on it and is as worn as a very worn thing the ride quality amazes me every time I get in it. It hadn't moved for 8 months before I bought it and took it for an MOT and on the way one of the rear tyres I'd just pumped up flatted. I couldn't tell!

Perhaps I'd be better off with an early aluminum XJ8 Sov? I must admit I'm pretty happy with performance now (about 200HP as my 1992 has cats) so maybe a 4.2 normally aspirated motor would be sufficient and obviously I'd get the plusher ride than the XJR with the Sov....

[anonymous-user]

The X350 4.2 XJ8 is a superb car, easily capable of 30mpg+ on a run and really quite impressively swift. You also wouldn't have any of the tensioner and water pump problems that you might with an X308. From what the specialist who I service my car with says they seem to have no real weaknesses as yet except for the odd pump or accumulator failure on the air suspension, which is surprisingly cheap to get fixed.

It's no looker, but the X350 is a far better car than the X308 in pretty much every way. The 6 speed autobox is particularly impressive, and the very tall top gear makes high speed cruising very relaxed and economical.

Dave

[G_T]

X350 is better in every way on paper. Seems a lot of people prefer the X300/X308 but I'm guessing a lot of this is based on looks and financial prejudice as opposed to anything objective.

I'd go for the X350 myself unless performance is a real issue. 30mpg+ will save you a fortune over 5 years or so.

XJR will always be the daddy though. Even in it's increasingly archaic, primative 4.0 litre guise.

[jas xjr]

never bettered 17mpg in my 99 xjr. love the idea of the 350 just not my taste in the styling dept. suppose i will have to get one eventually lol

[a8hex]

G_T said:

X350 is better in every way on paper. Seems a lot of people prefer the X300/X308 but I'm guessing a lot of this is based on looks and financial prejudice as opposed to anything objective.

Looks and driver feel.
The X350 ride at motorway speed is nothing short of sublime though.
But I still prefer my X300.
<flame bait on>
Jag's should have 6 pots in a row
V8s are for Daimlers

</flame>

[G_T]

a8hex said:

Looks and driver feel.
The X350 ride at motorway speed is nothing short of sublime though.
But I still prefer my X300.
<flame bait on>
Jag's should have 6 pots in a row
V8s are for Daimlers

</flame>

"Oh no you did'int"