Twins! (Part Four)

[2o6]

Not twins, but more so cousins.


Ford SVT Contour - 200 HP 2.5L V6, FWD




Jaguar X Type - 3.0L V6, 5MT AWD (However, the X-type is heavier)

[Vinsanity]

Isn't the X-type based on the generation of Mondeo produced after the Contour?

[2o6]

Isn't the X-type based on the generation of Mondeo produced after the Contour?

No.

[the Teuton]

Isn't the X-type based on the generation of Mondeo produced after the Contour?

Believe it or not, I don't think it is.

[2o6]

Believe it or not, I don't think it is.

I don't understand why people complained about the X-type when VAG, Honda, Toyota and just about every automaker does it shamelessly.

[the Teuton]

I don't understand why people complained about the X-type when VAG, Honda, Toyota and just about every automaker does it shamelessly.

The X-Type is a great used car. New -- you'd have to be a fool to have purchased one.

[2o6]

The X-Type is a great used car. New -- you'd have to be a fool to have purchased one.

TL wasn't that great, neither was the G.

[Vinsanity]

I don't understand why people complained about the X-type when VAG, Honda, Toyota and just about every automaker does it shamelessly.

If what you've said is correct, then maybe it has something to do with the X-type being based on the 1994-99 Mondeo while it was being produced from 2000 through whenever. IIRC, VW, Honda, and Toyota use current platforms for "hand-me-ups"

[the Teuton]

TL wasn't that great, neither was the G.

Neither of them were warmed over Contours for $37k, either.

[Vinsanity]

TL wasn't that great, neither was the G.

The 2004-08 TL and 2003+ G35 were much better than the X-type

[2o6]

Neither of them were warmed over Contours for $37k, either.

I keep thinking the X-type is older than it is.


I'm thinking of the G20 and 99-03' TL.

[Vinsanity]

here is my choice



better-looking than the Contour, 2/3 the price of the Jag.

[2o6]

here is my choice



better-looking than the Contour, 2/3 the price of the Jag.

But you take a power, space, and handling hit.


This is an SVT Contour.

[Laconian]

No brainer. SVTC is a better performer and doesn't have the Cheap Fake Jag stigma.

[2o6]

No brainer. SVTC is a better performer and doesn't have the Cheap Fake Jag stigma.

But the Jag still drives well, and is much nicer inside.

[Raza]

Having driven an X Type 3.0, I'd have to give this to the SVT Contour.  The Jag is cramped (and I'm talking from a driver-only perspective; you just can't get the seat low enough), cheap feeling, and thanks to AWD, very stodgy to drive.  Gorgeous cars, but unless I were sure that I could make it handle the way I would want it to, I'd go for the lively SVT Contour instead.  FWD cars are almost always nimbler than their AWD counterparts.

[Laconian]

But the Jag still drives well, and is much nicer inside.

The SVTC hauls ass, and I'm not a dash stroker.

[Vinsanity]

But you take a power, space, and handling hit.


This is an SVT Contour.

30 hp shouldn't be too hard to make up; IIRC, it can be done by swapping the SVT heads into the Cougar's regular 2.5. Same can be done with the suspension bits, and in addition, the Cougar has a lower center of gravity, so doing so would actually result in better handling than the SVTC.

I'd personally be willing to sacrifice the "space" of the Contour for the better styling of the Cougar; it's not like the Contour had much usable space in the back, anyway.

[CALL_911]

I'll take the Cuntour.

[68_427]

30 hp shouldn't be too hard to make up; IIRC, it can be done by swapping the SVT heads into the Cougar's regular 2.5.

This was the difference in the drive trains.

Changes to the camshaft include a longer duration and a complete change in valve timing points.
Higher compression: 10:to1(SVT) vs 9.7(normal)
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) was more aggressively tuned and required premium fuel.
Larger throttle body (60 mm vs 54 mm). Lifted from the 3.0L Duratec.
19lbs Fuel Injectors.
Upper intake manifold was extrude honed increasing cfm flow. (From 165 stock to 185 cfms)
Lower Intake manifold was enlarged (From 32/33mm to 33/34mm for the svt model)
SVT specific Clutch.
A water to oil, oil cooler to keep control of oil temperatures during performance driving.
A radiator with a thicker core for better cooling(lifted from Saudi models).
Different air filter and intake (cone style using same air filter as V6 Mustang).
A lighter flywheel(from 21 lbs to 19 lbs.)
A larger-diameter, quasi-dual exhaust.


I vote for Ed car.  I want one very, very badly.

BTW the model posted is a 1998, which had 195hp.  The 1998.5 had 200hp.  Just being a douche.   

[ChrisV]

Not twins, but more so cousins.

My vote when new?

My 1999:



Used? I'd take the Jag and build it up like building the SVT with a turbo kit on the 3.0, and keep the AWD and the Jag styling and amenities.

The SVT Contour, at $23k, was a good chunk of change more expensive than the V6 SE, but worth it by all accounts. The Jag, adding the larger engine with more hp and AWD would have been a great car and probably a stellar seller at under $30k. But not at the price it was at. But now, the price is mroe in line with what it is and I'd definitely take one.

No one should have bitched about it being built on the older Mondeo/Contour chassis, as there's really nothing wrong with that chassis, as the SVT proved and continues to prove to it's owners.

Except for the ones that are still broken on the 'spin..

[hotrodalex]

I'd take the Jag. Sweet looks and, well, it's a Jag. I would have to up the performance a little, but that can be done.

[68_427]

My 1999:

That is so hot.

[Cookie Monster]

I love the looks of the Jag, but would ultimately take the lighter and cheaper SVTC.

[r0tor]

Loved the SVTC... however I voted Jag because I see a black one with sport package on the way to work and I absolutely admire its looks 

My parents almost bought one back when they got the Mazda 6... had the dealer to like $7k under sticker

[Madman]

I am getting so sick and tired of people repeating the myth of the Jaguar X-type being a Contour.  It was no such thing.  The X-Type was based on the all-new Mondeo, launched in late 2000.  Above you will see the newer Mondeo (on the right of the photo) next to the original Mondeo (AKA Contour).  This new platform shared almost NOTHING with the original Mondeo.  In fact, because this new car was so different from the old one, Ford seriously considered changing the name.

This all-new Mondeo was the car on which the X-type was LOOSELY based, not the original Mondeo/Contour!

Why do people always give Jaguar shit about using a Ford platform?  Nobody complains when Toyota shamelessly rebodies a Camry and calls it a Lexus ES and Honda makes an uglier Accord and calls it an Acura TL.  Why is it okay for them and not for Jaguar?  At least the 2001-07 Mondeo (which we never got over here) was a taut, well handling car, unlike either the Camry or Accord.

[2o6]

You sure? I keep hearing (and reading) it wasn't the New Edge Mondeo, but the old Contour.


EDIT: You're right.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/01q2/2002_jaguar_x-type-first_drive_review

Even so, the X-type still is quite flawed compared to the competition.


The problem with the X-Type was it's exorbitant price. It was priced above a 3-series, C-class and A4 but was worse.


If it was priced more inline with the TL, ES and S40 it would have done better.

[Vinsanity]

I knew it.

Isn't the X-type based on the generation of Mondeo produced after the Contour?

Someone owes me a cookie or a gold star, or something

[Raza]

I knew it.

Someone owes me a cookie or a gold star, or something

You've got a No Prize.

[CJ]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-Jaguar-X-Type-Sportwagon-/120581144125?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c13323e3d

X-Type wagon.