XK8 / XKR coupe or convertible?
Discussion
I'm in the market for an XK8 / XKR (pre '06) and I'm struggling with the basic essential question of whether to go for the coupe or convertible.
Personally, I prefer the look of the convertible - to my eye the car looks better balanced. I guess the only other advantage of the convertible is the odd occasion when I could put the hood down and I'm not sure how often that would be due to both the weather and just feeling too self conscious! Nevertheless, it strongly appeals. I guess the downsides are: a bit gloomier inside (?), higher cost to buy the car in the first place, higher maintenance costs (any reliability issues?), external sound leaking in?
I'm sure that many purchasers also struggled with this most basic of questions. Of course it's for me to make up my own mind but some guidance would be appreciated! Thanks.
Personally, I prefer the look of the convertible - to my eye the car looks better balanced. I guess the only other advantage of the convertible is the odd occasion when I could put the hood down and I'm not sure how often that would be due to both the weather and just feeling too self conscious! Nevertheless, it strongly appeals. I guess the downsides are: a bit gloomier inside (?), higher cost to buy the car in the first place, higher maintenance costs (any reliability issues?), external sound leaking in?
I'm sure that many purchasers also struggled with this most basic of questions. Of course it's for me to make up my own mind but some guidance would be appreciated! Thanks.
I actually prefer the look of the Coupe. The lines as the roof flows down to the curved rear wing is stunning.
Other than the obvious benefit of summers day roof down motoring there's probably not a huge amount of difference. However the coupe does have slightly more room in the back and less upright back seats.
Cheers,
Graham
Other than the obvious benefit of summers day roof down motoring there's probably not a huge amount of difference. However the coupe does have slightly more room in the back and less upright back seats.
Cheers,
Graham
Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Saturday 3rd October 22:01
Looked and drove both the XK8 & XKR prior to buying an XK8. Did not like the whine of the Supercharger on the XKR & could not imagine driving it for long distances. Convertible (of course) is far superior to a Coupe which looks a trifle ordinery in comparison. Also it will hold its value better.
You don't like the supercharged whine!
Coupe every time. Make sure it's an XKR too. depending on budget you can get a newer one over a convertible.
The roof is v well insulated, so no issues there. There can be probs with. The hydraulics on older cars which can be expensive. You lose some headroom if you are tall, plus you get a lot of buffeting when it us down
Coupe every time. Make sure it's an XKR too. depending on budget you can get a newer one over a convertible.
The roof is v well insulated, so no issues there. There can be probs with. The hydraulics on older cars which can be expensive. You lose some headroom if you are tall, plus you get a lot of buffeting when it us down
Think you'll need to drive both. Obviously on a forum you'll get those in favour of the coupe and those the convertible.
Regarding the 20" alloys, I have those and have absolutely no problem with the ride or comfort. They really make the car to be honest and when I was looking they were a definate 'must have' along with the Brembo brakes.
Regarding the 20" alloys, I have those and have absolutely no problem with the ride or comfort. They really make the car to be honest and when I was looking they were a definate 'must have' along with the Brembo brakes.
I drive coupes and convertibles on a very regular basis....For me Coupe everytime!
The convertibles suffer as said from bad scuttle shake, they dont feel as good on the road or IMO handle as good.
If you want something to feel planted drive an XKR coupe with 18" wheels and 1" spacers, feels fantastic. And looks good with the wider stance and dont worry about bushes or bearings the XK can take spacers that wide with no problem.
Don't use 1" on 20" wheels that feels god awful, tram lining, skittish and rubs the arches.
But 20" wheels on the whole wont make any difference to the drive if you wanted to be pinickety you will get slightly more road noise.
The convertibles suffer as said from bad scuttle shake, they dont feel as good on the road or IMO handle as good.
If you want something to feel planted drive an XKR coupe with 18" wheels and 1" spacers, feels fantastic. And looks good with the wider stance and dont worry about bushes or bearings the XK can take spacers that wide with no problem.
Don't use 1" on 20" wheels that feels god awful, tram lining, skittish and rubs the arches.
But 20" wheels on the whole wont make any difference to the drive if you wanted to be pinickety you will get slightly more road noise.
Those big rims you mention shroud the air feed to the centre bell of the disc, so the disc cannot cool sufficiently .The bigger brembos are much worse and can`t dissipate the heat at all especially with the aftermarket wheel offsets, the ducting miss will the hub altogther. Extend the ducting between the rollbar and the body,should sort the problem out
Convertible for sure! I had the same doubt, but when I tested the first conv., I immediatley decided. Now I drive my XKR Conv. every day and every day hood down except when it's rainy. Comfort is the same, but the freedom feeling is completely different and also the engine sound is much more nice.
RW774 said:
Those big rims you mention shroud the air feed to the centre bell of the disc, so the disc cannot cool sufficiently .The bigger brembos are much worse and can`t dissipate the heat at all especially with the aftermarket wheel offsets, the ducting miss will the hub altogther. Extend the ducting between the rollbar and the body,should sort the problem out
Ahhh, hence the warped discs and steering wheel wobble!XKRacer said:
I drive coupes and convertibles on a very regular basis....For me Coupe everytime!
The convertibles suffer as said from bad scuttle shake, they dont feel as good on the road or IMO handle as good.
If you want something to feel planted drive an XKR coupe with 18" wheels and 1" spacers, feels fantastic. And looks good with the wider stance and dont worry about bushes or bearings the XK can take spacers that wide with no problem. more road noise.
Have to agree with that incuding the 25mm spacersThe convertibles suffer as said from bad scuttle shake, they dont feel as good on the road or IMO handle as good.
If you want something to feel planted drive an XKR coupe with 18" wheels and 1" spacers, feels fantastic. And looks good with the wider stance and dont worry about bushes or bearings the XK can take spacers that wide with no problem. more road noise.
If you want more tread on the rear you can go to 285/40 x 18 on the rear but then have to go down to a 15mm spacer on the rear
As for tyres I use Toyo T1-Rs they keep me on the 'Black stuff'
For pure aesthetic beauty, it is hard to beat the look of the coupe as the design just seems so natural. However, I am in southern California which is convertible weather virtually year round. So when I started looking for something suitable and fun to replace my 1995 Corvette (coupe), I figured it was time to try a convertible since I have never owned one. I have no regrets as there is nothing quite as exhilarating as cruising around on a nice day with the top down!
Doug
Doug
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff