Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs Jaguar XKR-S - autocar.co.uk

The Jaguar XKR-S and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Two British bruisers. Both cost around £100k. Both have big V8s under the hood. But which is best? Steve Sutcliffe finds out.
Read the full Jaguar XK review - www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/j...
Read the full Aston Martin Vantage review - www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/a...

[@chrisallen2432]

the xkr-s hardtop is one of the best looking cars ever made.

[@rasmusjbank]

OMG the drift with the Aston through the leafs!! Beautiful

[@greathey1234]

5:40

[@duddaman254118]

I like this guy he was truly honest most people would've had said the Aston was better because its a Aston i new the jaguar was a better car good video.

[@aidemoi80]

I have the Jaguar XK and it is total power on demand and so easy to control. Can’t imagine a XKRS.

[@vincentdagostino6431]

@@aidemoi80 same here have 07 xk 7th jag looking to buy my 8th

[@layyah0905]

The Jag XK still looks incredibly good as does the Aston.

[@Bwause83]

well I LOVE both brands, aston martin and jaguar.. love british cars. if I had the money I would buy a aston martin DB9.. If I had to choose between the jaguar XKRS and the Vantage V8 I would choose the jaguar.

[@jakedeane5304]

They should bring back the xk in the next couple of years, it's much more jaguar than the f type

[@targaflorio3239]

Thanks for the review. Enjoyed it. IMO, Astons have never really been about straight line speed. They're about style and grace and how they make you feel. And they're still quick enough. I'll take the Vantage.

[@mrc7966]

I've driven an XKRS, owned an XKR...it's an outrageously capable car. I'm about to buy a V8 Vantage and I'm really hoping I enjoy the ownership experience as much as I have with Jag's!

[@Getmoney4evrr]

Is the xkrs worth the premium over the xkr

[@reality-cheque]

How have you got on after one year? After an uncomfortable cramped continental trip, a friend of mine swapped his V8 Vantage for a late XK and is very pleased with the upgrade.

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

The Aston, no doubt. Both have "more" than enough power, so it comes down to feel and looks. Best Jag sports car in decades, but the Vantage is where my money would go.

[@mordechailevinson8646]

...Thanks for posting this....a great presentation....

[@devinmoose]

Two absolutely gorgeous vehicles.

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

I don't care how much power the Jag has, I'd have to have the Aston every time. Also odd to compare a drop top to a coupe.

[@DDGB08]

i appreciate the honest review

[@STEVECLIO]

this video changed my mind was getting a Vantage 2007, so now have a 2013 XKR for the same money, no brainer.

[@greathey1234]

Big mistake, an Aston is rarer and will hold its price better than a common Jag.

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

Man, same decission. I'm also torn ☹️

[@Urbandaddycgy]

Manual transmission wins the day

[@george-us-them]

Going for the Aston - he only needed to drop it into 2nd

[@greathey1234]

@@george-us-them good choice, welcome to the AML club

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

Old school, love Steve, what a driver, he just makes the Aston look superb. For my money though the Jag ticks all the boxes. I think My XF-S would give the Aston a close run though, not sure what the 0-60 is in the Vantage, but 3.0 V6 petrol Jag with 340Bhp makes the XF a rapid car with modern day handling aids, perhaps a bit of a cheat over the AM. Ian Callum did a fantastic job with the lot of them though!

[@adampetten5349]

Motor Trend got a 4.2 0-60 and Car and Driver 4.3 in the Vantage. 0-125 the Jag wins 12.5-15 seconds and of course massively wins in roll races.

[@RichardHPerry]

I absolutely Love my XK.

[@minatormyth]

Great review

[@lionyleftwich4418]

I love watching the video of how the jaguar looks when it's driving

[@Psycherz]

That was a really fun vid.

[@pajtim9079]

What a lovely Jag.

[@potjhm1]

On the Zeroto60 website, the xkr-s has been clocked to 60 at 3.5sec.

[@tnetroP]

Yes the Jag is faster. But the Vantage is more than "fast enough" and on most roads both cars have more power than you can legally use. Given that constraint I'd have the Vantage.

[@oooining]

i totally agree with you.. v12 always been my favourite engine... when a car manufacturer put their biggest engine in their smallest car, you can't really expect anything less..

[@mattwalker4965]

Thanks for explaining that to me. Now I understand why so many rare and exotic sports cars fail to appreciate in value over time. I'm glad I passed on the, still new, 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra in 1967 and went with the 427 corvette coupe I purchased for the same money. LOL I just hope you're not a fund analyst for me.

[@ricetheories]

@ultra888 Jag is supercharged. A V8 Vantage S would have been a better comparison due to closer price, but its not necessarily unfair. Remember this Vantage costs quite a bit less, has a better interior and outhandles the Jag. The acceleration comparison was done to show us the difference in low-down torque in the same gear between the 2 cars, not a full-on drag race, and there is no denying that the Jag just pulls faster - it's just a more powerful engine. I actually prefer the Vantage's powerband, which is more fun for driving imo.

[@adampetten5349]

They're close 0-60 from a dig 4.0 to 4.2 seconds but 60-125 is 8.5 seconds for Jag vs 10.8 for Aston.

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

The Jaguar please

[@rextetron]

Come on Steve, you have the gear lever there, it will help when pulling with Jags on a straight line.

[@MrAbbesTAHAR]

what's about the jag vs maserati?

[@Bwause83]

the XKRS has the greatest sound of all cars ive ever heard

[@paulgabolinscy2502]

Love them both, love my XK🇬🇧

[@obhatti]

as others have pointed out below, sort of an odd comparison. the "lowest" model Aston against the top shelf Jag. The Aston comes as a Volante as well, even the V12 finally has a Roadster version as of last year. How would the V8 Vantage compare to a Jag XK?

[@onraj9mm]

wow i wouldnt thought that they make astons with manual, thats awesome

[@fikes73]

Would the Jag in a hard-top be more stiff?

[@richehy6507]

Is this a fair test ? What about a v12 vantage v xkrs ? Or a v8 vantage v a standard xkr ? Bit un-matched I think ......

[@harrisonmartin2756]

The Jaguar Is a beast trust me my parents own a jaguar xkr and it's a beast

[@reality-cheque]

The Jag is a GT and the Aston V8 is a sports car. You should compare the XKR to the DB9 - both GT's in either fixed head or convertible. At this level, price is not much of a factor to many people. I can afford a DB9 (I've had four Astons, including a Vanquish new from the factory) but I now drive a late Jaguar XK in preference to all of them, including the DB11. The badge doesn't matter to me - but I can see how it matters to some.

[@luxurykid666]

The sweater just makes this video complete

[@anirudhjatangi]

why didnt you get the 550 hp v12 vantage for the comparison?

[@Danial0152]

V12 Vantage, instead of the V8 and I'm happy

[@bondjamesbond5580]

Although they say a Jag is a poor man,s Aston Martin id go 4 the JAG cos damn its way more beautiful and has more Touque than the Aston

[@pgiotakis1]

I feel that a comparisson of the XKR-S with the Vanquish(or DBS if it was still in production) would have been much more appropriate.. The Vanquish and the XKR-S are much more similar in terms of dimensions, horse power, torque and car dymamics..

[@tomeis8499]

The Aston looks drop dead gorgeous!!! I just wish it had more power ....

[@user-yo3kf9fl5d]

Aston Martin, the gentleman's sports car. I wouldn't trade mine for that Jag, mine is also a Roadster

[@Matt77346]

Looks are subjective. Both cars look great to me but in different ways. The 6 spd ZF transmission in the Jag is fabulous, surprisingly I dont miss shifting at all. As for real life scenario, since I own the car I think I can say with certainty I am able to put the power down. Maybe not from a stop,but this is not a car you drag race. There is a real-world youtube video showing a stock XKR-S beating a modded DBS from a roll. Joyous is the Jag's middle name. I think the Aston is far more tame.

[@DenaliShep]

The test is between 2 modern V8 powered British coupes. Why give the Aston an advantage?

[@lionyleftwich4418]

How my Jag does any car when they try to race me at 4:37

[@anjan89R]

how much do they weigh?

[@posro1988]

is this the WhatCar? test track?

[@jezwah]

04:00 I see you hidin' behind dem tree's takin photers billy ray

[@anguswhite3466]

ever thought about reliability or customer service?

[@lothar52]

I agree with Sachs...XKRS is one of the most comfortable cars ever

[@malevolenceXXXensues]

but on terms of styling I'd say the jag looks like the european equivalent to a muscle car with the vented hood and the carbon fiber spoiler in the back

[@bladerunner6282]

it's clear that to him the car with the most acceleration is best. i saw another video where he got smoked in a drag race between his jag and a 911 rs. he was livid. :)

[@ronfurg]

The red Aston interior is certainly snappy. I must agree with the presenter that if you're looking for a car to perform as an everyday "driver" car the Jag is the best bet. Of course you have questions about the reliability factor for the Jag. Does anyone know if that is an issue with the Aston?

[@alanhprice]

Do tell us more. How long have you owned both of these cars? Are they both the latest year models? How many times have you taken both to the track? You're so lucky to own both, which of course you must do in order to be able to give your opinions. More reliable - again you're such an expert, Autocar ran the Vantage for an epic 3 months/4000 miles and in that interminable time, suffered only a stuck handbrake and the engine slipping in to 'limp home' mode, proof positive of what you have to say.

[@MrScuderia16]

It is a Roll-on acceleration test.It needs to be done in the same gear and same speed.Just because the Aston was demolished doesn't make the comparison unfair.

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

Both great looking and sounding cars, for me the Aston wins though. When all said and done, if you look back and you will look back, the Aston has the badge appeal and sitting in traffic, filling with fuel, sat in a car park or just driving down the road, the Aston will get the admiring looks over the Jag and that is as much about ownership as the driving is.

[@railb1rd]

i'd be interested in how these cars compare to the audi r8

[@JasonWhitewick]

When choosing between cars like this, it only comes down to taste and emotion. I'd take the Aston only for the Looks and the name. (and the Jag name and car is sexy as hell)

[@goldeneye9381]

Of course the jag all times

[@viedcht]

something about an Aston... it just makes you feel...!

[@himalsingh2628]

Aagh, you want more speed & power go buy an M3 or something. Aston Martin is thoroughbred sports car, emotion and soul!! Priceless

[@merstrand1]

Agree 100% Supercharge the Aston ... then you have a fair comparison.... ill choose the Aston any day.....

[@joelama]

PAULY D is reviewing these cars!

[@1979muhamadishak]

I LOVE JAGUAR XKR-S...I WANNA HAVE IT...SOMEDAY...!!!

[@kezboy1]

Aston Martin

[@HiredGoonage]

should have compared the XKR-s to the DB9. The Vantage, being a two seater, would be more comparable to the F-type. Of course this video was 11 years ago, before the F-type existed.

[@LordTwaddle]

As nice as the Aston is, it desperately needs a styling update to keep it modern like the new DB9 and Vanquish

[@Hamza61884]

good decision!

[@AKCanadian]

I think that was the point.

[@j1shin]

Hmm, i take them both C:

[@hotgirlsarehot]

I'll love whichever I can afford in the next 10 years.

[@willjanzen8964]

You almost got it yet?

[@ElKuku9999]

The Aston wins in the looks department. It's just so beautiful.

[@scottbagturbo]

@biturboism it's a garmin unit, not Volvo I believe

[@HJ490_]

why not pit the Jag against the V12 Vantage, or at least the V8 Vantage S?

[@giuistefanjr72]

Price

[@MarcoPiperr]

ITALIA sweater! Yeah baby!

[@dickcheese663]

i've never owned an american car in my life. I've spent a couple year working at Aston Martin as a line tech and trust me dude, in this comparison, i'd save me money and get a Z06. Both of these cars are way more beautiful and have an appeal, but i just dont want to lose a race. These are performance cars by the way. But i promise i feel a Z06 is faster in every way. If i wanted luxury then a Benz or Audi would be fine, but this is about speed in any type of situation,

[@Ozmeister666]

Definitly priority nr. 1 when buying such a car.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

Doesn't the Aston have a jag engine.???

[@biturboism]

The Ford switchgear in the Aston must really feel bespoke, especially the 2000's Volvo navigation, which goes well with the nicely antiquated engine in front. Also, at 4:11, I LOVE the quality that oozes from the mist inside the Aston's headlights, it really spells "premium". Seriously, though, V8 Vantages are obviously dream cars to own and drive, but GOD, are they cheesy and overpriced!

[@JsDs1020]

the jag has more torque because of its super charger, i like the sound, styling, and int. better in the Aston then the jag. I'd like to see some lap times from these two that would tell the true story.

[@BigGee84]

I don't think that's really something anyone in the market for an AM would consider important. The amount you'd save in fuel between the V8 and V12 would be a drop in the ocean compared to the overall cost of ownership. You buy the V8 if you can't afford the V12.

[@davidbarett5269]

Should have compared the jag to a V12 vantage.. No matter the higher price, when you're buying in that price range you shouldn't have a problem spending that much more. I like the Jag but love the Aston

[@DavidBoy333]

I personally think that the Jaguars center console seems more elegant and advanced than the Astons,,,,but the Astons got kinda nicer interior leather:)

[@Lakefield_]

I would take the Jag as well. The Aston is just underpowered. I know it's special, but i couldn't stand getting beaten by Audi RS's, M3s, well and a lot of other cars these days. No one expects a Jag to go like the XKR-S does. Plus you can pick one up, 6 months old, ~10.000km, for around 80.000 € (costs 130.000 € new).

[@sspope]

Are they really comparing the agility of a convertible to a coupe?

[@lionyleftwich4418]

The Jag looks better than an Aston Martin in the Front.But the Aston looks better than the Jag from the rear.But if the Jag had F-type tail lights,I would say the Jag wins in looks

[@mjg35c]

From a price point, you get more car with the Jaguar than the Aston. No surprise there and having driven the XKR-S, it's going to be a handful more to drive at the limit than the Aston. The Aston is more of a driver's car than the Jaguar but the Jaguar is more flexible in terms of overall performance than the Aston. Both are outstanding cars, period.

[@nurkov]

aston martin and hoodie, right

[@Garysky57]

Both the best ov British and lovely cars but it's the jag for me the Astin is better put together and a bit better more for people with loads ov doller but jags are made for me

[@LCameeno]

Give me the looks and the Power that suppose to come with it!No point in paying for all bark and no bite if you understand where i'm coming from.i don't believe in wasting money

[@xxxreptilianxxx]

So heres the question, what sounds better?

[@maggotpudding]

Maybe it's because the automatic is so much better than manual that there is no point choosing manual. I'd choose the manual still over the aut.

[@zivkosuton4162]

I am so sad those new days Man can not buy beautifully engined cars with manual gearbox and clutch That is the Most fun spec in rwdvsportscars And i dont feel like i have full controll withouth clutch. No matter how god is automatic gearbox dtiver can fre feel car having manuall gb. And clutch Aspeciali a good shifter like in porsche bmw or that corvettes in 2007 Z06 i beleive astons have properly god stick shifter because transaxle based transmition. I would compare thia two xcars with masserati gt

[@dude7756]

I love the Jag, but the Aston is a Manual so ill pick the Aston.

[@alipontiac]

BOTH.

[@Whotta]

Id definitely take the Aston

[@-bernieburn711]

Me too...

[@sportsfreundberlin]

who wouldn't??

[@21canyoudosumformay]

sheep

[@DaytonCarCare]

Older models you can buy them unbelievably cheap now days. Ten cents on the dollar. ;)

[@Boomtowndogs]

This comparison was for price so that's why xkrs and vantage was fair and xkrs against vanquish would be stupid

[@mattwalker4965]

Jaguar xkr-s is much rarer. You're more likely to have another Aston Vantage pull alongside you at a light.

[@phinhd5998]

Matt Walker because people don't want them

[@FamilyCTSV]

of course i would take the Vantage.

[@Chogie14]

You're right. I've also told him to pull his socks up

[@Driftuner]

thats exactly what he wanted to show us..that it has more power down low..