Autobild.de: E320 vs. Jag S-Type 3.0
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red bicycle
Autobild.de: E320 vs. Jag S-Type 3.0
Hey,
I found a comparison of the revised Jaguar S-Type 3.0 and the new E320 at http://www.autobild.de. Unfortunately, I can’t speak German, so I had to translate the article on AltaVista, so I was able to pluck out some key points.
While the E320 comes out on top, they say the revised S-Type is a worthy competitor. Basically, the only reason that the Jag did not beat the Benz is because the Benz is in a class of its own.
Mercedes-Benz E320:
Pro: Smooth engine; unbeatable safety and comfort
Con: Less standard equipment for the price
Jaguar S-Type 3.0:
Pro: Clear improvement after the revision; outstanding steering; super handling
Con: Engine and road noise; small back seat
They like the way both cars drive, but for different reasons. They like the Jag for its outstanding handling, finding it more fun to drive in curves. But the E easily compensates in safety and comfort. It behaves neutrally in all situations, with excellent driving stability, and feels more sure-footed. Plus, the E-Class is extremely comfortable (as they expect from a Benz), comparable only to the S-Class.
As for quality, they say the Jag to be almost on par with the Mercedes. The Jag has a genuine upper class feeling – nearly as good as in the Mercedes.
Todd
P.S. My parents just traded their 1998 ML320 for a 2003 S-Type 3.0...nothing against the Benz, but my mom always wanted a Jag...
I found a comparison of the revised Jaguar S-Type 3.0 and the new E320 at http://www.autobild.de. Unfortunately, I can’t speak German, so I had to translate the article on AltaVista, so I was able to pluck out some key points.
While the E320 comes out on top, they say the revised S-Type is a worthy competitor. Basically, the only reason that the Jag did not beat the Benz is because the Benz is in a class of its own.
Mercedes-Benz E320:
Pro: Smooth engine; unbeatable safety and comfort
Con: Less standard equipment for the price
Jaguar S-Type 3.0:
Pro: Clear improvement after the revision; outstanding steering; super handling
Con: Engine and road noise; small back seat
They like the way both cars drive, but for different reasons. They like the Jag for its outstanding handling, finding it more fun to drive in curves. But the E easily compensates in safety and comfort. It behaves neutrally in all situations, with excellent driving stability, and feels more sure-footed. Plus, the E-Class is extremely comfortable (as they expect from a Benz), comparable only to the S-Class.
As for quality, they say the Jag to be almost on par with the Mercedes. The Jag has a genuine upper class feeling – nearly as good as in the Mercedes.
Todd
P.S. My parents just traded their 1998 ML320 for a 2003 S-Type 3.0...nothing against the Benz, but my mom always wanted a Jag...
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2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
That is not the way I read and understand the article.
The E 320 wins in ALL categories and it costs only a little more than the Jaguar S.
Base price in Euro (Today 1.- Euro = $1.-) S - Jag 44.650, E - 320 45.298
The most devastating statement re the Jaguar's is:
"Fahrverhalten unseres Dauertest-Jaguar erinnerte mehr an einen Dampfer in schwerer See als an eine spurtreu dahingleitende Oberklasse-Limousine."
Driving characteristics of our long-range-test of the Jaguar reminds one more of a steamer in heavy/high seas, rather than a upper-class limo, which stays true on track as determined by it's driver.
CAVEAT: I am NOT a UN translator.
Proof of the E-320 superiority and wide acceptance in Germany are it's sales.
From Jan - May 2002: 32,128 E-class were sold and only 800 S-Jags.
The E 320 wins in ALL categories and it costs only a little more than the Jaguar S.
Base price in Euro (Today 1.- Euro = $1.-) S - Jag 44.650, E - 320 45.298
The most devastating statement re the Jaguar's is:
"Fahrverhalten unseres Dauertest-Jaguar erinnerte mehr an einen Dampfer in schwerer See als an eine spurtreu dahingleitende Oberklasse-Limousine."
Driving characteristics of our long-range-test of the Jaguar reminds one more of a steamer in heavy/high seas, rather than a upper-class limo, which stays true on track as determined by it's driver.
CAVEAT: I am NOT a UN translator.
Proof of the E-320 superiority and wide acceptance in Germany are it's sales.
From Jan - May 2002: 32,128 E-class were sold and only 800 S-Jags.
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From: NYC
red bicycle
Hey,
Oh well...I don't know how to speak German, so I guess I missed that point. But from experience, I wouldn't call the Jag a boat on the highway...though I don't think many cars come close to Mercedes when it comes to highway cruising (I've driven the 200+ miles to and from Ithaca many many many times in my C220 and our departed ML320). But the Jag's 6-speed is so smooth...at 80 MPH, the car cruises at about 2000 RPM.
I won't argue the superiority of the E-Class over the S-Type. The Jag is a pretty car...that's why my mom wanted one...
I don't think the sales numbers really prove anything...since Jaguar is still a relatively small company (owned by a very large company). And wide acceptance in Germany? Come on, it's a Benz...everything in Germany is a Benz.
Todd
Oh well...I don't know how to speak German, so I guess I missed that point. But from experience, I wouldn't call the Jag a boat on the highway...though I don't think many cars come close to Mercedes when it comes to highway cruising (I've driven the 200+ miles to and from Ithaca many many many times in my C220 and our departed ML320). But the Jag's 6-speed is so smooth...at 80 MPH, the car cruises at about 2000 RPM.
I won't argue the superiority of the E-Class over the S-Type. The Jag is a pretty car...that's why my mom wanted one...
I don't think the sales numbers really prove anything...since Jaguar is still a relatively small company (owned by a very large company). And wide acceptance in Germany? Come on, it's a Benz...everything in Germany is a Benz.
Todd
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From: so. cal
2000 E-class
Jaguar has a very beautiful exterior, but jaguar lacks in its interior. On the other hand, E-class has a very beautiful interior.
And jaguar has smaller leg room compare to E-class. So, in my opinion, E-class is better. Again, that's my opinion.
And jaguar has smaller leg room compare to E-class. So, in my opinion, E-class is better. Again, that's my opinion.
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14 'E550
The 2003 S-Type is a "very" nice car, though I would only consider the 4.2 V8 and Supercharged R model........whether you choose the Benz or Jag, each has its strong and weak points.
I drove the S-Type R and its totally awesome, plus it even has a DVD based touch screen Nav system available now (optional). Paint and interior quality was excellent.
This is the standard S-Type interior, R has sport seats and smoked wood. Looks great in my opinion.......
I drove the S-Type R and its totally awesome, plus it even has a DVD based touch screen Nav system available now (optional). Paint and interior quality was excellent.
This is the standard S-Type interior, R has sport seats and smoked wood. Looks great in my opinion.......
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From: NY
14 'E550
Actually, the rear drive platform was developed for the S-Type.......then used for the Lincoln LS and Thunderbird. So, the S-Type is a Jag (although some people will never believe it).
They did a great Job enhancing the 03 model over the previous years, exterior styling has stayed basically the same though.
They did a great Job enhancing the 03 model over the previous years, exterior styling has stayed basically the same though.
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Thread Starter
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red bicycle
Hey,
When the S-Type was introduced, it shared 40% of components with the LS. Unfortunately, it showed...the pre-2003s were terrible. But for 2003, 70% of the car is new...you would never know the two cars (plus the Ford Thunderbird) share the same platform. For 2003, the S-Type got a new front suspension, heavily revised rear suspension, 6-speed auto, and a new dashboard...so I have no idea what percentage is shared now. But sharing parts with a Lincoln doesn't bother me...at least the shared components are "invisible" (unlike the pre-2003s).
The engine block is the same as all Ford Duratec V6 engines. Even the basic V12 engine block of the Austin Martin Vanquish is essentially two fused Duratec blocks. I think Ford builds a common basic block, and lets its individual brands develop them further.
I'm not thrilled at Mercedes components showing up in Chrysler vehicles. About 35% of the new Chrysler Crossfire is shared with the SLK...even the dashboard shell is is virtually identical. Supposedly the new 2004 LH cars (Concorde, Intrepid) will share components with the new 2003 E-Class. But at least those will be invisible...a steering rack and a rear axle will not define the character of a car. A Chrysler will be a Chrysler...and a Mercedes will be a Mercedes. I don't think DaimlerChrylser would have it any other way...
Todd
When the S-Type was introduced, it shared 40% of components with the LS. Unfortunately, it showed...the pre-2003s were terrible. But for 2003, 70% of the car is new...you would never know the two cars (plus the Ford Thunderbird) share the same platform. For 2003, the S-Type got a new front suspension, heavily revised rear suspension, 6-speed auto, and a new dashboard...so I have no idea what percentage is shared now. But sharing parts with a Lincoln doesn't bother me...at least the shared components are "invisible" (unlike the pre-2003s).
The engine block is the same as all Ford Duratec V6 engines. Even the basic V12 engine block of the Austin Martin Vanquish is essentially two fused Duratec blocks. I think Ford builds a common basic block, and lets its individual brands develop them further.
I'm not thrilled at Mercedes components showing up in Chrysler vehicles. About 35% of the new Chrysler Crossfire is shared with the SLK...even the dashboard shell is is virtually identical. Supposedly the new 2004 LH cars (Concorde, Intrepid) will share components with the new 2003 E-Class. But at least those will be invisible...a steering rack and a rear axle will not define the character of a car. A Chrysler will be a Chrysler...and a Mercedes will be a Mercedes. I don't think DaimlerChrylser would have it any other way...
Todd
