Aston Martin
DB7
Jaguar
XK
Aston Martin DB7 vs Jaguar XK: 2011 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Jaguar XK comes out ahead of the Aston Martin DB7 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
DB7
Overall
Sentiment is mixed, with a clear divide between aesthetic admiration and practical ownership concerns. The DB7 is consistently praised for its exceptional beauty and iconic design, often described as one of the most beautiful cars of its era. It is recognized as a significant model that revived the Aston Martin brand.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Discussions mention both the early inline-6 (I6) and later V12 Vantage models.
Known issues
- ⚠Structural rust: Very frequent and cited as the primary, deal-breaking issue. Requires extensive and expensive repair.
XK
Overall
Sentiment is strongly positive among long-term owners, who describe the XK as a beautiful, thrilling, and characterful grand tourer that provides a unique and emotional ownership experience. The vehicle is consistently praised for its stunning design, comfortable and luxurious ride, powerful and smooth V8 engines, and engaging driving dynamics. Owners report forming a strong emotional bond with the car, citing the driving experience, sound, and presence as major highlights.
Best version to buy
X150 generation (2006-2014) is widely favored over the preceding X100 for its all-aluminum construction, which improves handling, acceleration, and fuel economy while eliminating rust concerns. Within the X150, the supercharged XKR model is often cited as the best version, offering significantly more power (400hp+ vs ~300hp for the XK) for a modest price increase over the naturally aspirated model, making it a better value than attempting to modify a base car.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor described as expensive, commensurate with the car's original near-$100,000 price. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Plastic coolant system hoses: cracking with age, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission service advisories: the automatic transmission was marketed as "sealed for life," but owners strongly recommend fluid changes to extend lifespan. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Jaguar XK is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Aston Martin DB7, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Aston Martin DB7 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XK?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Aston Martin DB7 and the Jaguar XK. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XK?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Aston Martin DB7 is classed as a Coupe, the Jaguar XK as a Cabriolet, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XK?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XK?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.