Hello all. I have been offered an X300 3.2 Sport, which is in extremely nice condition throughout, but I am looking for some feedback on the car’s performance.

I understand the engine puts out around 216hp which doesn’t seem much for a car of this size, and a quick search gives mixed answers as to whether it’s underpowered or not. I have test driven the car and it was fine but didn’t get the opportunity to open it up at all, so I’m looking for feedback from owners.

I see the 0-60 is a lengthy 9 seconds; does this result from poor in-gear power, or is this primarily the result of an old school slushbox? I understand there’s a timing adjustment bracket that can make some difference and that the kickdown is possibly adjustable too?

This would be my second Jag, the first being an X308 XJR which I loved. Certainly I wouldn’t expect this to be anything close performance wise, but I don’t want to be frustrated by hills or an inability to overtake etc.

Unfortunately 4.0 cars seem to be extremely uncommon in the UK and the majority of XJR6s seem to be either dogs or much more than I’d like to pay. This one is very, very nice so if I can make it work I would like to.

Thanks!

When you had the X308/XJR how often did you actually use all the available power? If you're a heavy footed driver who really enjoys the power then you might never be satisfied with something less.

Or maybe not.

I had an XJR/6 as a daily driver for several years. The power was fun and intoxicating....and useful. In terms of raw acceleration it was clearly faster than any of my other Jags, including the V12s. Still, though, I find the less powerful models a pleasure to drive.

Your remarks about the transmission are apt. I think my present V12 car would outrun my little V6 S-type on a full-throttle race to (let's say) 80 mph. However, the 6-speed transmission in the S-type (versus 3-speed behind the v12) makes the S-type very responsive and makes the most of the available power. In some situations the little S-Type in actually faster.

And nowadays when I want brutal acceleration, I jump into my TR6 V8.

But, back to you and your choices.....

If the car you're looking at is as nice as you say it would be a shame to pass it up, IMO. Buy it. If the lower horsepower really bothers you then sell it and buy another "R" model

Just my two cents

Cheers
DD

The AJ16 as the 4.0 is an oversquare " truck engine " with large crankshaft throws to give you a lot of out of stop light Vroom Vroom .................Vroom

The 3.2 version of the same engine block............................................. ...................

Probably the ZF4HP22 transmission is ( probably ? ) geared differently , and the rear end differential final gear ratio is higher , The 4.0 is 3.77 and the 3.2 is 4.12 ( ? )

The AJ16 4.0 has much more torque and horsepower at low rpm because it is a long stroke engine. In the 3.2 (bore X stroke) 91X 83 and in the 4.0 91x102.

It sounds like you are 90% of the way to answering your own question, but drive the 3.2 and see what you think. They are not generally criticised for being slugs, but they are not often seen on racetracks either. If you have found a nice one, the condition outweighs the bhp in my view.