is there a noticeable difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 in both performance and milage?
i'd prefer the 3.0, but there are not so many to choose from in the 03 04 range

 

I think they might get about 10 to 12 more hp and a Little better torque but nothing too different

 

Actually, I believe the 2.5 is rated around 195 horse power, with the 3.0 around 230 horses. The 3.0 was the only size engine available after 2005, if memory serves me correctly. Also, I'd recommend 2004-2005 or later X-Types.

I'm sure there are other opinions on here, but I test drove a 2.5 and 3.0 and settled on the 3.0. Just a better ride and mine is a manual transmission, which are more difficult to find but a blast to drive (except in DC traffic jams).

 

I've owned X Types with both engines - an 03 with the 2.5/automatic and an 06 with the 3.0/automatic. The 3.0 was a bit quicker and had more bottom end grunt. The 2.5 was smoother, loved to rev, and noticeably got on its cam at 3K rpm and up. On trips, at interstate speeds, the 2.5 typically got about 28 mpg, and, the 3.0 got 24 mpg. Both cars were very enjoyable in their own way.

Regards:
Oldengineer

 

I just bought a 3.0 manual and have found that if I want to get good mpg (21) in the city, I can get better than my automatic saturn l300. Also, I live in colorado where highway speeds are very high (last trip avg was 71mph on the trip computer) so my last highway mpg was 32. Honestly, I would go for the 3.0 only if you can get a manual. I test drove a 3.0 auto and got horrible mileage and not very impressive performance compared to the manual. Haven't driven a 2.5 though. What I am pushing you to do is get a manual. You will be able to get better gas mileage if you want, or better performance.

 

iown, both motors push the X-Type fairly equally. The big difference is where the power comes from. With the 2.5L motor, it likes to get wound up and will move nicely when the motor is above about 3,000 RPM. Vice the 3.0L will accelerate the car nicely without having to rev the engine (most accelerations I do, I don't drop a gear and the car will normally shift between 2500 and 3000 for standard accelerations).

If you are looking for something just to get on the highway and cruise, the 2.5L motor will do just fine for that. You want to play with someone, get the 3.0L motor. It is fun to talk to them afterwards and tell them that you never got the motor above 3,000 RPM and still out accelerated them.

When it comes to mileage, yes the 2.5L will get better mileage, but the reports vary between 1-4 MPG better. Me, I will take the slightly less mileage for the additional performance when I want it.

 

i'll wait and find the 3.0 :+)

i like to play :+)

 

Go with the 3.0. Had it, Loved it, would not get anything else. Power was great, milege was good.

 

Before I bought my 3.0 auto, I had a test drive in a 2.5 manual and a 2.5 auto. The manual felt pretty quick but the auto seemed very slow so I made the right choice with the 3.0 auto.

 

thanks for the posts!....i have decided to wait for a 3.0, too bad as there are a lot of gorgeous 2.5's for sale

 

Can't speak for the 2.5, but I have a 3.0 manual and love it. Can sometimes get close to 30mpg on the highway measured. Before I bought mine I drove a 3.0 auto and thought there was a night and day difference in the "sportiness" of it. Although the 0-60 rated time differences aren't aren't huge (7.1 sec. vs. 6.6) to me if feels greater. The only thing I wished it had would be another gear for cruising. If it had that I would bet the highway mileage would be vastly improved, but I'm not complaining. I drive a lot of highway miles as part of my job and think it's a great touring sedan that's been utterly reliable for me. Be patient in your seacrch to find EXACTLY what you want and I'm sure you will be rewarded.

 

I've got a 2.5L 5 speed manual that my father left to me. I'm a race car guy and love a "real" sports car. Well, I have to say that the little Jag performs quite well.

I've had it out on the track a few times. It's a rev happy engine and a pleasure to drive. In fact, it's quite well balanced. A true drivers car.

I've looked for a new car and I can't find anything that comes close, short of spending a fortune. Even the new BMW's feel boring by comparison.

My 2.5L is electronically limited to 120 (in 5th) and 124 (in 4th). The non restricted versions in Europe top out at 140. That's incredible for a 2.5L AWD sedan.

I'm not at all convinced that the 3.0 auto is faster than the 2.5 manual.