1968 Jaguar-Daimler compact saloon -v- the 1960 Jaguar XK150 fixed-head-coupe.

Описание: As I consolidate my two classic cars ; 1967 Triumph TR4A & Daimler 250 v8 2.5 ltr. (an unrestored 92,000 mile, manual + overdrive example) into one - a 1960 XK150 3.8 ltr Fixed Head Coupe .. I took this opportunity to visually / audibly compare two fantastic examples of the Jaguar marque.

Performance wise ; 'Burble' my Daimler 2.5 ltr V8 (140 bhp) compact saloon and 'Carmen' (my newly acquired) Jaguar 3.8 ltr straight-6 ( 220 bhp) coupe are not even in the same league. The Jaguar would be 250 metres ahead of the Daimler in a standing-quarter-mile run. But in terms of comfort and smoothness the Daimler's V8 wins hands down. It's a very easy car to drive, even with today's roads & traffic. The XK Jaguar is in comparison a beast (in performance, handling & steering) which only with experience will I learn to tame.

Styling / looks are very subjective. I love them both. Had my Daimler been the early model with the broad bumpers then (imo) it would have looked the more dated ..despite being 8 years younger (in build rather than design date).

The differences in overall proportion are more subtle than might first have seemed apparent. The two cars are quite similar in weight (the Daimler V8 engine being much lighter than the Jaguar straight-six). Had I been comparing the Jaguar Mk.2 then that would be more than 100kg heavier.

Dimensionally the Mk.2 'compact saloon' is 2" wider, a few inches taller and 5" longer ..but they feel very similar in the garage at home because the front of the XK150 is squarer and its doors are longer to open (carefully against the garage wall).

Inside ; these two cars share more instances of family resemblance than differences ..but the Daimler has footwells, for your feet to be noticeably lower than the seat, whereas the Jaguar XK has perfectly flat floors and a very low seat. It's a very straight leg driving position. which is very different for most anyone used to monocoque cars with more of a sitting on a chair driving position.

Horses for courses perhaps. saloon car comfort versus a sporting Grande-Tourismo. I've hankered after an XK150 FHC for 30 years, and I love the performance. Sadly I cannot afford to keep both, and so my lovely 'Burble' the Daimler has now gone to live with Piers in north Devon.

Hope this has been of interest. Pete.