xk8 4.0 vs 4.2

xk8 4.0 vs 4.2
Cheapest, but not cheap, the 4.0still offers everything you'd want from an XK8

STARTING AT £4kforacoupe, the original 4.0 is the entry point into ownership, yet it is one the worse for it. With svelte, classic, unadulterated lines, the XK8 is perhaps the prettiest car here, while it's leather-upholstered interior is luxurious and comforting, as a car used to  Plus, it’s no slouch, with 290bhp from the 3,996ccV8. Sure, the more powerful models will leave it standing, but speediest everything; it’s about catching a brief glimpse of yourself as you pass shop window.

The XK8–internally known at Jaguars the X100–was very nearly an all-new car when it arrived in1996, taking only apart of the chassis from the out-going XJS. The rest of the car was different, from the V8 to its voluptuous E-type-like lines, a significant move away from its hard-edged predecessor. The nod to Jaguar’s post wasn't an accident–its designers knew that the way forward was to find inspiration in the back catalog.

Explained Jaguar’sthen design director, the late Geoff Lawson, in the 6 March 1996 issue of Autocar, “Internally, we had a very strong view that the XK8 ought to be the spiritual offspring of the E-type, with muscular flowing shapes and a much sportier look than ”It is traditional looks were deceiving, though. Atop speed of155mph and a6.5-second 0-60mph performance made the XK8 arrival for such modern sports car soft he time as the BMW8-Series and Porsche e911.The car feels quick, even by today’s standards, especially with the discreet sport button near the gear select or engaged, forcing the five-speed automatic ZF ’box to kick down earlier and hold its revs for longer. 

Where the car really stands out, though, is in its superb ride. As supple and forgiving as an XJ6 Series1, it offers a relaxed, comfortable drive. This does mean it lacks the bite of the sportier models and enjoys being hustled down a country B-road less quickly than the later aluminum models, but, for a long journey, there’s no better car.  A coupe came first followed a few months later by a handsome convertible. Both offered a decent boot and room for four, although the lack of rear legroom means the rear seats are better used for extra luggage.

Starting at £4,000, the coupe remains the cheapest of all the XKs, while the convertible can be picked up for £1,000to £1,500  more. The couple then extends to £10,000 and the open car £5k more for low-mileage examples, which is XKRterritory.Examples like the familiar 2000 XK8 4.0 (pictured here £8,000) are arguably the best value.

Sadly, the car isn’t without issues, the most pressing being the plastic timing chains and tensioners that can break, result in inginare build of the V8 or even an engine swap.  These plastic parts should be changed for steel components from the later 4.2 engine.  Notacheapjob –budget on £1,500forparts and labor–but essential.When new, the XK8 earned a poor reputation for engine failure. This was quickly blamed on the Nikasil-lined cylinder bores that were used in the earliest engines and the large quantities of sulfur in unleaded petrol in the mid-to-late nineties.  A short journey that does not allow the engine to get up to temperature creates water condensation inside the engine, and threats with the sulfur to produce sulphuric acid, causing damage to the cylinder bores. 

In2000, Jaguar introduced mild steel linings or the cylinder bores (sulfur content in petrol was also reduced around this time), fixing the otherwise commons symptoms of excessive oil consumption, low compression, and eventual engine failure.  Jaguar replaced many owners’ engines under warranty, but only if requested. Although that means the willie some early XK8s still with their original engines, it is generally considered that they will be okay because their cylinder bores will have hardened–but it’s still good practice to avoid short runs. 

The other big issue for the X100 is corrosion, the main areas to watch for being the sills, front floor,rearwheelarchesand front chassis legs. While rust no longer results in the car’s demise because new panels and parts are becoming available, it can still be expensive to put right. The XK8 can also be heavy on bushes, especially anti-roll bar, engine, wishbone, and front and rear subframe mounts.

These, of course, are worst-case scenarios and many XK8 ownersfindtheircarssuffervery few, if any, issues. They also enjoy knowing that while their car is the cheapest available, open or closed, it doesn't look or perform like anything other than a thoroughbred Jaguar sports car.
Source: JAGUAR-WORLD.COM