350Z/370Z, Z4C, Z4 35i, 135i/335i, XKR/XFR, Monaro, or...?
Discussion
The Jag will have very tall gearing. No idea what it pulls in top. But probably 70mph at 2000rpm sort of thing. It’s an auto though. So if you want it’ll kick down fine.
I’d also suggest it is probably all relative. I’d be willing to wager the 4.2 would be quicker 65-80mph that the MX-5 under all circumstances. But it’ll likely be with less drama.
I’d also suggest it is probably all relative. I’d be willing to wager the 4.2 would be quicker 65-80mph that the MX-5 under all circumstances. But it’ll likely be with less drama.
Yep I know that feeling. When I put a thread up on 'what next after the Z4C' I didnt come to any solid conclusion on what next.
Ive always been one to be more into the ownership than the driving of the car. I do about 3k-4k miles a year in my weekend cars but enjoying the different ownerships they bring is what I value. Right now, I am still discovering the Z4C ownership so will keep it a bit longer.
And equally I felt guilty about how much effort people put in and advice!
What about a MB CL500? Bit more wafty than a Jag but more to choose from at your price point and very fast with over 400bhp.
If you end up looking at hatches again, the Megane is meant to be pound for pound the better car. The Astra GTC also looks great and goes pretty well too.
Ive always been one to be more into the ownership than the driving of the car. I do about 3k-4k miles a year in my weekend cars but enjoying the different ownerships they bring is what I value. Right now, I am still discovering the Z4C ownership so will keep it a bit longer.
And equally I felt guilty about how much effort people put in and advice!
What about a MB CL500? Bit more wafty than a Jag but more to choose from at your price point and very fast with over 400bhp.
If you end up looking at hatches again, the Megane is meant to be pound for pound the better car. The Astra GTC also looks great and goes pretty well too.
300bhp/ton said:
The Jag will have very tall gearing. No idea what it pulls in top. But probably 70mph at 2000rpm sort of thing. It’s an auto though. So if you want it’ll kick down fine.
I’d also suggest it is probably all relative. I’d be willing to wager the 4.2 would be quicker 65-80mph that the MX-5 under all circumstances. But it’ll likely be with less drama.
This is definitely the case - it's well under 2k RPM in top (if I remember, about 1800RPM) at a gentle mooch in traffic at 65mph, hence why it feels a bit flat compared to about 500RPM later when it starts to get on. Obviously you can kick it down with a bit of throttle, it's just not as smooth as the usually exceptionally smooth auto cruising.I’d also suggest it is probably all relative. I’d be willing to wager the 4.2 would be quicker 65-80mph that the MX-5 under all circumstances. But it’ll likely be with less drama.
Compared to an MX5 it likely wouldn't be an issue, but sometimes you find a turbodiesel right up your trumpet (with its easily-accessible torque) and have to kick it down and leave them behind.
That said, with electric cars coming, straight-line performance is irrelevant, and the XK's party piece is a gently warbling V8 in a big handsome coupe.
Edited by Krikkit on Wednesday 8th February 17:38
TameRacingDriver said:
Thanks krikkit, it's really starting to look as though my options are really go for the XK 4.2 N/A route, or go for another option on my list, or even potentially postpone the idea until I have more money.
Interesting about the N/A struggling somewhat between 65-80 in top, as even my MX5 seems to despatch that benchmark reasonably quickly for what it is, and it's not exactly built for the motorway, although in every other respect it's obviously going to be far less pleasant in that scenario, but then it's rare I'm ever on a motorway so...
As for my performance expectations, my mx5 is going to be a similar power to weight ultimately (it's 176 bhp / tonne) , but I imagine it'll feel quicker at low speeds due to the lower gearing and the rest it's about half a ton lighter. It doesn't need to be a rocket ship but at the same time, I'm questioning why I wouldn't want big power in a big car like that.
Not really sure where I'm going with this now, but I will say I hope nobody thinks their advice has been a waste of their time, because quite the opposite, it's been fantastic advice and is really helping me to make my mind up what to do.
What happened to the Audi S5 option? Has more power from its 4.2 V8 than the XK and much better traction in crappy conditions than your MX-5. You have manual and auto options and good ones cost less than equivalent age Jags.Interesting about the N/A struggling somewhat between 65-80 in top, as even my MX5 seems to despatch that benchmark reasonably quickly for what it is, and it's not exactly built for the motorway, although in every other respect it's obviously going to be far less pleasant in that scenario, but then it's rare I'm ever on a motorway so...
As for my performance expectations, my mx5 is going to be a similar power to weight ultimately (it's 176 bhp / tonne) , but I imagine it'll feel quicker at low speeds due to the lower gearing and the rest it's about half a ton lighter. It doesn't need to be a rocket ship but at the same time, I'm questioning why I wouldn't want big power in a big car like that.
Not really sure where I'm going with this now, but I will say I hope nobody thinks their advice has been a waste of their time, because quite the opposite, it's been fantastic advice and is really helping me to make my mind up what to do.
It may or may not be the right car for you, but seems to address most of your current concerns…
RoVoFob said:
What happened to the Audi S5 option? Has more power from its 4.2 V8 than the XK and much better traction in crappy conditions than your MX-5. You have manual and auto options and good ones cost less than equivalent age Jags.
It may or may not be the right car for you, but seems to address most of your current concerns…
I'll look into these again. Maybe the CLK 55 is worth revisiting too.It may or may not be the right car for you, but seems to address most of your current concerns…
TameRacingDriver said:
I'll look into these again. Maybe the CLK 55 is worth revisiting too.
The 55 has a nice amount of lowdown torque it never really feels like it's in the wrong gear, I will say that a map improves the throttle response & as well as the gearbox responsiveness.Ecery one I've had has been treated to an XPipe (to add to the aural enjoyment) K&N's for added induction roar & a map for the above.
coldel said:
I did start nosing around at CLK55 and S5s yesterday just out of interest, but then just look at that Jag and it looks a whole different level. The Audi just blends into the background, bit like Porsches do nowadays too, I wonder how special a V8 S5 is to 'feel' vs a Jag?
Problem with the S5 for me would be the handling - I'm not a fan of the engine hanging right out the front.I've done a bit of reading on the S5 and I'm pretty confident it's not for me. There's actually a thread running in GG about a PHer who complains it feels remote and disconnected. Sounds like a typical VAG mobile to me and that doesn't appeal really, the v8 I'm sure is nice but I think a car has to have more than just a noise in the end.
This thread in fact
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
This thread in fact
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Krikkit said:
coldel said:
I did start nosing around at CLK55 and S5s yesterday just out of interest, but then just look at that Jag and it looks a whole different level. The Audi just blends into the background, bit like Porsches do nowadays too, I wonder how special a V8 S5 is to 'feel' vs a Jag?
Problem with the S5 for me would be the handling - I'm not a fan of the engine hanging right out the front.TameRacingDriver said:
I've done a bit of reading on the S5 and I'm pretty confident it's not for me. There's actually a thread running in GG about a PHer who complains it feels remote and disconnected. Sounds like a typical VAG mobile to me and that doesn't appeal really, the v8 I'm sure is nice but I think a car has to have more than just a noise in the end.
This thread in fact
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I think that applied to all Audi's, they have that 'lets keep the corporate suited middle aged guys happy' approach to designing a car!This thread in fact
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
TameRacingDriver said:
I've done a bit of reading on the S5 and I'm pretty confident it's not for me. There's actually a thread running in GG about a PHer who complains it feels remote and disconnected. Sounds like a typical VAG mobile to me and that doesn't appeal really, the v8 I'm sure is nice but I think a car has to have more than just a noise in the end.
This thread in fact
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
That was for a later V6 S5. Have a feeling that these may have moved from hydraulic steering in the V8 to electric steering in the V6 - certainly the S4 went from hydraulic to electric steering in the facelift update around that time…This thread in fact
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
As mentioned above, they moved the front wheels forward and had a 60:40 rear-wheel power bias for this generation. Haven’t driven one, but think it should be better than previous fast Audis.
Playing devil’s advocate here more than anything, but is the XK any more pointy? Especially as it’s quite comfort-oriented and only 35kg lighter.
RoVoFob said:
Playing devil’s advocate here more than anything, but is the XK any more pointy? Especially as it’s quite comfort-oriented and only 35kg lighter.
Possibly not to be fair, but just look at them, and then there's the noise but I guess you could replicate that in the Audi. Ultimately though mate, I just don't think it's floating my boat. Thanks for the recommendation though, it's always interesting to see what I might have missed. 
TameRacingDriver said:
Possibly not to be fair, but just look at them, and then there's the noise but I guess you could replicate that in the Audi. Ultimately though mate, I just don't think it's floating my boat. Thanks for the recommendation though, it's always interesting to see what I might have missed.
I get it. As cars get ever shoutier, blingier and pricier, the Jag looks better and better.Was lusting after a very nice XF R the other day for similar reasons. Had completely forgotten the car existed, but it’s a lovely thing. Good luck with your boat-floating…
Read up on any Jag and their reliability is appalling - I'd never buy another
Monaro is too big and heavy to be fun
If you can cope with 2 seats then don't look at anything with 4
I haven't read all the comments but I'm surprised a Cayman wasn't on your list - they are very good if you can get past the long gearing or a Boxster is you want a convertible
On your list, I'd have the 370Z
Monaro is too big and heavy to be fun
If you can cope with 2 seats then don't look at anything with 4
I haven't read all the comments but I'm surprised a Cayman wasn't on your list - they are very good if you can get past the long gearing or a Boxster is you want a convertible
On your list, I'd have the 370Z
KTMsm said:
Read up on any Jag and their reliability is appalling - I'd never buy another
I haven't read all the comments but I'm surprised a Cayman wasn't on your list - they are very good if you can get past the long gearing or a Boxster is you want a convertible
What goes wrong with the X150 XK then? Ally chassis and body so won't rust, the V8 is pretty solid AFAIK, no air suspension to bork, auto gearbox is fairly standard AFAIK, what's the problem? Seems to be towards the lower end of the risk scale when it comes to premium V8-engined cars.I haven't read all the comments but I'm surprised a Cayman wasn't on your list - they are very good if you can get past the long gearing or a Boxster is you want a convertible
I'd rather risk an XK than a £10k Boxster with all its engine concerns, at any rate.
samoht said:
What goes wrong with the X150 XK then? Ally chassis and body so won't rust, the V8 is pretty solid AFAIK, no air suspension to bork, auto gearbox is fairly standard AFAIK, what's the problem? Seems to be towards the lower end of the risk scale when it comes to premium V8-engined cars.
I'd rather risk an XK than a £10k Boxster with all its engine concerns, at any rate.
In my experience everything !I'd rather risk an XK than a £10k Boxster with all its engine concerns, at any rate.
Every single component from heater flaps to parking sensors
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