BMW M4 or Jaguar F-Type Coupé?
If you had a choice which would you buy? A BMW M4 Coupé or the Jaguar F-Type Coupé?
Brian Forristal (Kildare)Sep 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
This very match will be the subject of a twin test shorty in our iPad Mag so I don't want to give the game away too much!
Saying that, they're very different cars. Technically and logically the BMW M4 is dominant. It's considerably faster at all times too, yet the customisation of its driving systems that is open to the driver makes it suitable for everything from long distance cruising, to the school run and then the odd track day. It's an astounding car I'd personally love to own. It'd take years to learn it fully and if you like a challenge then it's the one for you. However, unlike the previous M3 Coupé, it's more docile at times, meaning the uninitiated aren't scared off by crazy twitchiness.
The Jaguar is much more laid back by default. Yes it's quick by any measure, and can make a sound all the more alluring than the BMW, but, in V6 or V6S guises at least, isn't quite as focused on hard-core driving. It drives very well, don't get me wrong, but the BMW would run rings around it on track.
Clearly that won't matter to many people and we suspect that this decision would be won by the heart. As I write this I'm torn. I adore the looks of the Jaguar and that may be enough to swing the decision, but in pure black and white terms, the M4 Coupé is a more accomplished car.
Let us know if you buy one or the other!
Further reading:
Jaguar F-Type V6S Coupé first drive
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser@Shane_O_D