Re: Sacrilege! 7-Series vs. Lexus 400, Jaguar XJ8 (archive)

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Dean gave you the Jag/BMW comparison, and I can provide info on driving the Lexus vs. the BMW.

Last year I was looking for a 96-98 LS400 or 740. Test drove a 97 LS400 first. Had a 91 Jag XJ6 before that (I wouldn't own another Jag if you paid me--but glad Dean's experience was better than mine). The Lexus felt like a "functional" car, but no exciting. You can't beat it for reliability. It will definitely save you money on maintenance compared to the average reliability of the BMW.

But then I drove the 96 740IL I subsequently purchased. Took about 15 seconds to realize this car was built for the driver. Felt very solid, handled head and shoulders better than the LS400, and was a thrill to drive. I'm still thrilled every time I turn the key.

Comes down to a reliability vs. driver's experience decision. If you don't mind dropping more money on maintenance, buy the BMW. If you want one of the most reliable cars on the road, but very little excitement, go with the Lexus. But if/when you drive both, you'll choose the BMW...

As I have posted before, I am looking soon to buy my first BMW, a 1998 or 1999 750iL. Despite my enthusiasm, and the hours of research I have put in, I have to admit that I have not yet driven the car. I don't even know for sure that I'll like it! I will get my chance this coming week when I travel down to Fort Worth, where there are several for sale.

I expect I'll love the 750iL. However, for purposes of comparison, I plan to test drive a Lexus LS400 and a Jaguar XJ8. (Sadly, they don't make the XJ12 any more.)

I would be interested to hear from anyone with DIRECT experience in comparing these cars to the 740 or 750, especially anyone who has OWNED them, though other test drivers' opinions would be welcome too. I realize that the LS400 and the XJ8 should be compared against the 740, not the 750, as they are both 8-cylinder cars.

Not to be crass, but what I don't need is a lot of opinions based only on what somebody has heard second-hand or read in a magazine. I can read myself.

The reason I bring this up is that I have found that prices on LS400 and XJ8 models in the 1998 and 1999 model years are FAR below the 7-series and usually have very low mileage. (Maybe they aren't as fun to drive, so folks don't drive them. *grin*)

Why are these cars so much cheaper? Perhaps they were cheaper to begin with, fall apart after a few years (unlikely for the Lexus), etc.

Swordsman:
I owned a 98 XJ8 for 3 1/2 years and 39,000 mi. I have owned a 2001 740iL for 6 mo. and 8,000 mi. Here's my $0.02 on the Jag as compared to the BMW:
The XJ8 is a great looking, solid car. Ford's money allowed the Brits to find cures for Jag's reliability issues. The XJ8 (mine was not an L) has unique styling which sets it apart from the world of jellybean looking autos. My wife is still POed at the loss of her Jag, but is slowly being won over by the BMW's comfort and performance.
Those are the keyword areas where the 740 beats the XJ8's butt. Despite its "killer" looks, the XJ8 is a most uncomfortable car. Seat cushions are too short, head room is far too short, cockpit is cramped on a day's drive (it will paralyze your body). The short wheelbase car has poor rear seat legroom, but the XJ8L looks so awkward with the huge rear doors, I opted out on rear comfort. The interior appointments, materials and quality are similar. The 740 is more stark and purposeful but less glamorus.
The Jag V8 is a smooth running, higher reving engine but does not produce much torque until revs are above 4500. This has a lot to do with transmission and differential gearing, but the Jag is slower off the line and has to build a lot of rpm before power is detected. The 740 has stump pulling power from the onset and feels much stronger through the gears. Hp for both engines is almost identical (XJ8=290@6200rpm; 740=282@5400rpm).
Steering, handling and stopping is the heart of BMW's edge over Jaguar. The XJ8 steering is numb compared to the 740. The 740 is really connected to the road compared to the softer but still in touch Jag. I think the braking is pretty close to a toss-up between the cars as both are excellent.
The fit, finish and quality of the two is very close. The BMW exhibits more of an engineering approach to automobile design as opposed to a styling approach used at Jaguar.
Reliability is still to be determined on the 740-so far so good at 8k miles. The XJ8 was very good irrespective of Jag's poor reputation from the 80's and early 90's. My XJ8 did suffer the leaking plastic radiator problem described on this board. The neck did not break off, but a seam disbonded (warranty covered). Front end alignment problems (failed control arm bushings) occured early but local dealer did a good job resolving that issue. I would give the edge to the Jaguar dealer network over BMW service largly based upon what I have read here.
To sum up, the Jag has style and grace, while the BMW has purpose and promise. The choice for those who really enjoy driving is not even close-BMW by a landslide.
Enjoy the search and good luck!
Dean L

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