Benz-O-Rama

Obviously the power difference between the normal XK and an SL55 is huge, the XKR is a little more respectable versus the SL55. But, I'm loving the pure sexiness of the XK. I think this is the one car that might be prettier than an SL. It's close, but I think I have to give the nod the XK. For power, it's the SL55, but you can pickup a 2007 XK8 for mid 40's and I'm seriously considering it over the more powerful SL55.

Thoughts?

Fantasm

Find out what type of power mods are available and report back!

150shot

Yes the Jag is pretty but not quite even CLOSE IMHO to the looks of an SL. For whatever reason the SL gets tons of looks, dropped with rims becomes an easy neckbreaker even here in SoCal. Call me crazy but I think it compares more to a CLK/E Coupe now.

I would worry about the overall quality of the Jag even with warranty, but I really think it cant compare to the "mystique" an SL brings to the table..roll up in an SL and people think you mean business, in the XK ....its kinda...kinda...oh ...its nice...but....ehhh....you know.

One thing I did notice is the antenna in "up" mode is hideous and super tall. It sure takes away from the car when extended.

mikesSL55fla

The timeless beauty and power of the SL to me never seems to go out of style no matter what year. A jag is a respectable vehicle, but Benz is in a class of its own.
When was the last time you heard of a Jag that ran 450rwhp on a dyno ?

Benz-O-Rama

I believe Arden makes mods for this car, but not sure as to what extent.

Not so sure about this. See pics, below

The quality argument, I can't agree with. I do believe Jag is back to #1 for customer satisfaction. And as a current owner of 3 different model MBs, they're not exactly known for their reliability.

However, I do agree with the telescoping antenna. That was a bad decision by Jag. But with XM/Sirius, who really listens to FM anymore?


Yep, the SL55 wins, hands down, in a drag race.

Sunir

What happened to the SL600 idea?

If you ask me the JAG looks very sexy indeed. The SL does as well...but I love the JAG coupe in the pics above...looks like an Aston Db9 almost...you gotta do what makes you happy for the reasons that make sense to you, not what anyone else thinks bro...you're keepin the Eclass so you'll still be part of the MB scene here in MD...

I'm sure you'll end up with a winner either way, best of luck n' keep us posted

Benz-O-Rama

The SL600 is still very much in play. I saw an XK over the weekend and it looked incredible. Was white with a blue top and beige interior and was stunning. I was asking here if anyone considered one before they purchased their SL hoping for feeback as to why they didn't go with the Jag.

The XKR is a little more than what I want to spend right now, so I'd have to settle for the slower, but equally as stunning XK. Decisions, decisions.....


And even if I get rid of my E-class, I'd have two more MBs in the driveway to keep me in the fraternity.

BiTurboBenz

XKR is gorgeous...but the test drive killed it. You should drive one before purchase.

Brent72

No doubt the new XKR is a beautiful car. I actually considered one before buying my SL55, but in the end I still thought the SL was better looking and the power difference between the cars was too much to overlook. Also, I'm still a little suspect about the quality level of Jaguar.

LIONHEAD

Clayton.....I have a 2008 XKR and 2006 SL65.....the XKR feels slow compared to the SL65. I do get alot more looks in the XKR though. The XKR feels big and more like a GT (although alittle shorter than our W211s). Between the two I'd say I drive the SL65 60% of the time and the XKR 40% of the time. I mostly now drive the XKR at night to go out or cruising and the SL65 for speed and top down fun. BTW...I think Jaguar and Buick just dethrone Lexus as No.1 in dependability in J.D. Power Survey. If you really want an XKR....wait til fall as the 2010 XKR will have 500HP.

LIONHEAD

Forgot to mention the SL has better overall quality IMO. Closing the door on the SL has a nice solid "Thud" and overall fit and finish and materials is better on the SL.

E55AMGFan

http://www.eurotoysltd.com/ is where to look, he gets Mina Gallery and Milltek exhaust systems, and makes custom stuff, pulley kit for the blower is also on his site.

The owner actually had an old XJR 4.0SC long wheelbase sedan that ran 12s. He had the factory Eaton ported, upper/lower pulleys, cold-air intake, upgraded intercooler, and 2.5" Magnaflow exhaust, I believe he dynoed around 385rwhp.

LIONHEAD

Funny you mention Milltek as I just ordered the Milltek exhaust from a shop in England for my XKR and arrived today. Haven't installed it yet though. This is what it'll sound like: http://s125.photobucket.com/player.s...fs=1&os=1&ap=1


With Chip, SC Pulleys, HiFlo Cats and exhaust you can gain decent power: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWNzx5LfmEg

BTW...the telescoping antenna was deleted in 2008. I remember reading R&T clocked the XKR 0-60mph in 4.2 sec and 12.6 in the 1/4 mile. I still think the SL55 will win in a drag race.

Fantasm

thats 508HP to the Wheels?? pretty good

LIONHEAD

I could be wrong but I think thats 508HP SAE corrected to the flywheel....not the rear wheels.

Benz-O-Rama

Good comparison. I'm absolutely enamored with the exterior of both cars, but I gotta give the nod to the Jag for the interior. Although, I'm not a soft top fan, so the hard top of the SL gets the nod there. And obviously, the SL will take the cake on the performance side of this argument.

At this time, I'm leaning towards a 2006 SL55, but that could change after lunch. It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but I don't want the higher probability of problems with the 2003-2004 cars. I may end up trading my W211 too. My wife has made the point that, even though our driveway and garages can handle 6 cars at capacity, more than 3 cars will cause a logistical nightmare.

The new addition would make a 4th car and would cause me to have to play car jockey anytime I wanted to drive the SL.

We'll see. I'm in no hurry.

LIONHEAD

I think the SL55 would be a better fit for you...JMO. It'll feel more sporty in the cockpit as you sit lower. Plus it's smaller so it'll feel more nimble eventhough the SL55 is heavier. As for the interior on the XKR, I chose wood as I thought the aluminum weave felt alittle cold for me. One quirk is the climate control, to turn off or on the climate control you will need to go through the touch screen menus to the climate setting just to turn on or off the air. There is no button on the dash just to turn it on.

Not sure if you've seen this video from Top Gear. They're probably bias as a British TV Show reviewing a British Car (although now owned by Tata in India): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_eVi_BS3mE

In case you haven't seen it, the 2010 XKR has a refreshed front end and LED taillights.




Here's another aftermarket kit with thicker side rockers and a mild rear apron:

Brent72

I like the refreshed front end. Always thought the mesh grille around the fog lights looked out of place. Glad to see they rectified that.

Sunir

I have to say after watching the Top Gear peice that the Jag is truly stunning!!! It's gorgeous from every angle and it makes very good power...now that it's owned by Tata (a very good Indian company who has successfully optimized many cash troubled brands) things will only get better for the big cat!

Clayton...you have a tough choice ahead of you my man! If it were me, I'd go Jag, the looks of the car itself and the looks you'll get with it (especially around our area where it's much less common then the benz) make it the top choice!

transferred

You'll kick yourself for not waiting a little longer and getting the XKR....The XK8 you'll find wanting. Also, the 410bhp R version will become a bargain when the 500bhp one drops which is soon....bide your time and get an 07/08 XKR

Benz-O-Rama

Saw a black on black XKR ('vert) today on my way to Leesburg outlets. I was behind it and it just sounded so sexy. I do like the facelifted ones better, that's for sure. But the 2007 is right at the line of what I want to spend right now.

I need to put down the mouse and step away from the keyboard for a week. I'm driving myself crazy looking at autotrader.com, cars.com, ebay.com every hour looking for the new listings.

I leave for a Bermuda cruise tomorrow morning and thankfully will not have internet. This search is exhausting. As soon as I think I've made my mind up, I see something else that I like.

I'm gonna go buy a 1987 Chevy Cavalier convertible and be done with it.

allenjdmb

No. I didn't ever consider it. All you need to do is drive one with about 20k miles on it and see what you think.
I think if someone twisted my arm really hard, and I could steal it, I might drive an XJR sedan. But I'd still have an SL in the garage. Just not a lot of cars like it. A few yes, but they cost lots and lots of money.

LIONHEAD

Sorry...alittle OT but got my Milltek Exhaust installed today. Much Louder. Tips are bigger and now fills out the gap much more.

Pic with the new Milltek Exhaust:

Benz-O-Rama

All I see is an unfertilized yard.

LIONHEAD

Yard comes last. Daum association takes our monthly dues and doesn't do crap except cut our front lawn.