I'm going to be buying an X-Type at some point in the coming months. I'd rather have a 3.0, but can you guys/gals confirm how much peppier the 3.0 is compared to the 2.5?

 

I can only talk about my 2004 3.0 I am still impressed by the get up and go it has when I get "on it" especially for an automatic tranny. Good luck with your search.

 

A quick search of the net yielded these results, I dont know how accurate they are though.
2.5L...
Horsepower : 194 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque : 180 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Redline : 6800 rpm

Top speed : 140 mph
0-60 mph : 7.9 sec.(manual), 8.8 sec.(auto)
0-¼ mile : 15.9 sec. @ 89 mph
60-0 braking distance : 130 ft
200 ft skidpad : 0.77 g

3.0L...
Horsepower : 227 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque : 206 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Redline : 6800 rpm

Top speed : 146 mph
0-60 mph : 6.6 sec.(manual), 7.1 sec.(auto)
0-¼ mile : 14.9 sec @ 92.0 mph
60-0 braking distance : 130 ft
200 ft skidpad : 0.77 g

 

Try to get the 3.0L if you can, the price won't be much different but you'll feel the power off the lights better (speaking as an owner of the 3.0, never drove the 2.5). The 3.0 also has a different engine - it's the same as was used in the 3.0 S-Type from what I've read on it. Maybe someone can confirm this??

 

My first Jag was a 03 2.5 automatic, and, my second was an 06 3.0. The 3.0 was quicker than the 2.5, but, the 2.5 never felt lethagic to me and was smooth like a gas turbine. The little 2.5 actually surprised me when I first got it, because the faster you went - the happier it got. Highway fuel economy difference between the 2 was about 4 MPG. The 2.5 was a very "cammy" engine - at a certain RPM, it got on the cam, and, took off. This was less noticeable with the 3.0. The 3.0 is the same engine used in the 3.0 S-Type, but, it puts out slightly less HP because its mounted sideways, and, the exhaust is more restrictive. The 2.5 is basically the same engine with its internals modified to the smaller displacement. Visually, under the hood, they look identical. I really enjoyed both cars - the 2.5 was quiet and refined, and, excellent on long trips. The 3.0 had more drivetrain noise, and, was a bit more tiring on long trips. My advice - drive them both, and, see which you prefer.

Regards:
Oldengineer
06 S-Type VDP

 

MAN, my 2.5l is a beast, i beat a half ton chevy the other day in a all out frag race going uphill.........i WON"T be doing that again

 

Thanks for all of the advise. I'll take it into account for sure. There aren't many on the east coast of Canada, so I'll likely fly to Toronto to buy one, and want as much info before I do

 

Oldengineer hit the nail on the head. I have a 2.5 but have driven many 3.0's, some for several weeks at a time. I would probably try to find a 3.0, but there is nothing wrong with a 2.5 at all. He is right, you can really feel the "powerband" type response in the 2.5 in the upper rpm range. The 3.0 is much stronger around town, on the highway however it's a tossup, the 2.5 loves to rev and I think sounds a little better and feels smoother. So, with that in mind if you do mostly around town driving I'd opt for the 3.0. If mostly highway, either one would work.

For either, I'd try to find a manual tranny version, but that is personal preference.

 

Someone do a search on my old posts and I posted up the exact numbers for auto/manual 2.5/3.0s I just cant do the search from my phone.

 

I'll be keeping my eye out for a 3.0. My choices will be limited because I'm looking for a black, grey, or red sport model.

 

Then yes, your choice would be 3.0 most definitely. Perhaps someone can correct me but I think the last year for the 2.5 Sport was model year 2005.

 

I'll probably be looking for an 04.

 

I have a 04 2.5 with the manual trans and its a blast to drive on a open road/twistys.. Less power then the 3.0 but I accept it for now until I upgrade to a XJ or S Type R...

If you want try to find the 3.0 with the manual trans. That would be the best of both worlds!!!

 

I'd definietly try to go newer if you possibly can. That's already quite a few Canadian winters on the vehicle, unless you decide to come down to the States and get one from the south.

Since you are the King, getting one through customs should be no biggie.

 

Hahaha. Customs is a PITA for sure. I would come south to get one, but the extra costs might not be worth it since I'll have to pay up front. Also, not sure if I could get financing to buy one in the US?

 

Since you are from snow country, I would be open minded to finding an 02 or 03. Starting on 04 the transfer case became open, no viscous coupling. Thus you are relying on electronics for traction control.

I've heard that mechanical limited slip offered by VC is more intuitive on slippery surface. I drive an 03 and can tell you that it puts many 4x4 trucks to shame in winter.

On the other hand, having a VC is another point of failure. I've already replaced my transfer case around 80,000 miles due to VC failure. You can tell it's VC when making tight turns in parking lot the car binds - inside tires chirp as you negotiate a turn.

I'm giving you both sides of the equation so you can make an informed choice. Cheers.

 

Tony makes a good point about the early models being a little "better" in the slop. However, to me anyway, that advantage is mitigated by the additional exposure over the years to road salt and corrosion, particularily in the front lower door sills. If you do end up looking at an 04 or older, take a good look at the body around the front door hinges. If you see any surface rust most likely it is coming from the inside out. Keep shoppin'.

 

Another difference I noticed between the 03 and the 06 I used to own. The AC condensor coil fins on the 03 were really flimsy, dead soft, and easily damaged. On the 06, the coil was much sturdier.

Regards:
Oldengineer

 

I'd like to go for something newer, but I'm going to have to keep this around the $13,000 CDN mark, leaving me with about an 04.

 

My X-Type is an SE 2.5l auto.... it flies... well not literally, but it is a fast car... I have burned off quite a few supposedly faster cars on take off from traffic lights... er naughty of me I know...erm!.. I'm not saying I broke any speed limits... Its just that there are a lot of tossers out there who really don't know how to change gear (oh I've had lots of manual cars).. what the automatic gearbox does is smooth slick qick changes with almost no hesitation... its a question of learning to drive the car and how to keep it on song.

Whatever you buy you won't be disappointed.. but go for a higher specced model with lots of toys.

Mike