Jaguar XK8 vs Mercedes R230 SL - Luxury Convertible GTs! (1998 X100 4.0 & 2003 SL350 V6 Road Test)

[@markeastwood74]

It's so strange, but I'd never choose the Merc over the Jag. Can't explain why, but it sounds like Joe's got the same "feeling". Still, it's good to know that the Merc doesn't have seats you can't use though. Score one for the Jag there. 👍

[@thierryfont5622]

Till last year, I was the proud owner of a 1997 convertible Jag XK8, black with black interior; I was in love with it! She was my daily. Comfy, classy, head turner and powerful, not just like a nippy sport car which would make sense as I live in the French Alps, but like a true gentleman’s car. Alas, just like a very beautiful lady, she was high maintenance with many issues… After many many bills, I decided to sell it. I miss its elegance and classy design not her garage addiction… I’m now considering a SL. I’d love a 2004-2006 500 SL but as I don’t want to take a chance with the ABC suspension issues, I’ll probably go for a 350 SL. Good job lads for this comparison between the two cars.

[@davidarter6271]

I have had a X100 XKR for over twenty years. Love it

[@nicholasdavis657]

I'd have the Jag. As an owner of the later X150 XK in coupe form, I just love the sound of the V8.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

So do we!

[@dougwarren2992]

I have to go for the Jag. The amount of praise I get when I park up my seafrost coloured convertible from passing members of the public has been unbelievable. I do think that colours makes or breaks a car, and that is certainly right for my car. Mercs are ten a penny and silver is so last year!!

[@Gazza3501]

Nice video thanks. Always enjoy your vids but should have paired the XJ with the SL500.

[@dhdove]

Having owned several XJS’s we were faced with the same choice, we went R230 SL350 (3.7 ltr.) and never regretted it. Such a beautiful car and great detail touches such as the damped door bin lids and rear seat belts to restrain luggage. Cruising at 120mph on the autobahn was effortless and quiet with more in reserve. Kept it for eleven years until it succumbed to the water ingress in the electricals which was the Achilles heel of this model. Replaced it with guess what? An R231 SL400…..

[@nigelbond4056]

Both pleeeease 🤞

[@BobBenz55]

Should have been compared with the V8 Mercedes model, especially the V8 supercharged AMG VERSION. 👍🏼 nice review 👌

[@jimmyquinn9639]

2 excellent cars and another good video 🚘🚙🚗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thank you 👍

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

The r230 was the first SL built to a budget and sadly compared to the r129 is showed . The brake by wire was Mercedes doing something because they could and following a group action in the US and issues around the world it was not rolled out across the wider range . They also suffer with issues around timing chain guides and harmonic balancers.

[@monk3yboy69]

They are still very reliable cars . You just need to find a well looked after one , that has been garaged and make sure you keep it in a garage. They do leak into the boot and there goes the electronics…. But that little expensive issue to one side, all else should be ok.😀 A nice 500SL looks good on any drive.

[@wfifa199]

Whilst watching i began to think "this is a difficult choice; Jag in coupe plus an SL", and then you said the same. However, I would go for an XK8 coupe and it would have to be a 2006 to 2008 SL. Do-able for about £13-14 k

[@roygardiner2229]

In my opinion the Jaguar is a far more beautiful car. Mind you, I AM biased towards Jaguars..... The Jaguar is even more sensual as the coupe. Disclaimer, I don't even own car, I just admire the cars of others, from a distance. Heart over brain, emotion over logic, every time.

[@kadran3263]

Jag. The Merc is a superior car but I need something which speaks to me, and whispers, and teases. Not something which is simply very good and very mute about it.

[@gillesdebritalycars]

+1

[@chrispenn715]

I'm a big fan of both marques, having owned several of both. I recently had this very dilemma (poor me 😂) I chose the SL350.... 😃

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Good choice!

[@philipashley1517]

Nice video👍

[@Tigerfire75]

The XJS could handle a winding road. It had the suspension and power. The XK8 was a slightly different approach

[@tokyo1469]

R230 all day long.

[@daviddellit8344]

Thank you.

[@jonboy9912]

The motoring journalists have said that the R129 was the last Mercedes built by engineers not accountants. I thought that was BS until I bought one on looks and nostalgia alone and I have to say after 8 years of ownership it's true - the motor is head and shoulders above the R230, that has a terrible reputation for reliability and build quality. Getting back on subject, in my view the Jag is the one to have here because when buying motors like this the heart should prevail over the head and the Jag pushes all the right buttons and is actually a very good car - when its going!

[@julianp4787]

The Jag looks fantastic!! Defo wins in that department

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

A gorgeous bit of design for sure!

[@paulkane6645]

The Jag headlights are real glass and will never go milky like the Merc's.

[@grayfool]

As an older used buy. it has to be the Jag. I love Mercs but wouldn't really trust the SL.

[@monk3yboy69]

6:46 controversial styling ….you either love it or hate .

[@paultaylor9652]

Both great cars in there day, but both now suffering from tin worm, the Jag has many bubbles forming near the badge and Mercedes rear arch/ bumper. If it was choice it would be the Mercedes, Jag looks a bit old man style even when new.

[@monk3yboy69]

The side vents hark back to the original SL… Nice styling touch …but pointless indeed

[@bondjamesbond9041]

We all know that Jaguars have a reputation of not being the most reliable of brands. Mercedes from the late 1990's to date lost their reputation of being well engineered and are no better than Jaguar. Of the two the Jaguar is the best here. It has more character and in my opinion is better looking.

[@christopherjhall]

Can I have 1969 Mercedes 280SL please

[@juliovazquez9834]

El Mercedes sl es mucho mejor coche que ese jaguar ,tanto en tecnología como él calidad de construcción…

[@jamesreckling6697]

Wow R230 has great quality? Lots of cheap Mopar parts.

[@MOSSFEEN]

Merc all day long Jag just looks so dated