Which of these to take on a European trip?
Discussion
It's made me think of this as well
Monaco in a V12
https://youtu.be/pIMQGk4xQqM
Reading the articles in Autocar/PC though, the XJR- S seems a lot better tied down
I was never a big Jag fan but did Monaco in an F-reg 3.6 XJ manual saloon ( 220ish bhp ) - had a few mods and LSD
Was quite surprised how wieldy it felt to be honest - esp on the Col de Turini
Monaco in a V12
https://youtu.be/pIMQGk4xQqM
Reading the articles in Autocar/PC though, the XJR- S seems a lot better tied down
I was never a big Jag fan but did Monaco in an F-reg 3.6 XJ manual saloon ( 220ish bhp ) - had a few mods and LSD
Was quite surprised how wieldy it felt to be honest - esp on the Col de Turini
Edited by s m on Tuesday 18th October 12:07
unpc said:
Are you insane? That trip would be unforgettable in the Jag.
Absolutely.Can't even fathom that you are even considering taking an upholstered roller skate instead.
As long as you have Euro recovery for the Jag as a back up, it's a no brainer, especially as you've already said that you have factored in the extra day needed for the trip to account for all the fuel stops required
austinsmirk said:
Jag, theres nothing special about a mini or memorable. You're never going to look back in 20 years and have warm thoughts about driving a mini.
The point of road trips is the hilarity of the vehicle you choose.
See, that's just wrong. There are many points of/for a road trip...the scenery, the roads, the destination, the company you keep, the weather, the speed, the duration.....hilarity would be somewhere near the bottom for me tbh.The point of road trips is the hilarity of the vehicle you choose.
1) My ol' dad still talks about his trips through Europe in his original Cooper back in the 60's, so 20 years from now it is very likely the OP will remember the better drives he had in his.
2) the Newer MINI might not be your idea of special or memorable, but that generation particularly was an over engineered, wheel at each corner, well made, beautifully balanced and great handling car, that is probably amongst the best "hot/warm" hatches of the past 20 years
The Jag is MORE special, in as much as it has a bigger engine and is rarer.
More comfy doesn't make it more special...
It's a class A cruiser no doubt
Remembering the road trip on the basis of the fuel bill and amount of times you stood at the side of the road surrounded in steam, doesn't sound great, anymore than bemoaning the short wheelbase and lack of storage space in the Mini does.
Anyway, decision has been made, both great options for very different reasons... and the OP gets his cake and eats it at the end
austinsmirk said:
Jag, theres nothing special about a mini or memorable. You're never going to look back in 20 years and have warm thoughts about driving a mini.
The point of road trips is the hilarity of the vehicle you choose.
I beg to differ, having done a Euro trip with a number of MINIs (one of which was averaging XJS-rivalling MPG). May not be your cup of tea I'll acceptThe point of road trips is the hilarity of the vehicle you choose.
But in this case, as already mewntioned, I'd take the Jag as this is the sort of GT thing it was really built for
Dr Interceptor said:
Ollie, take the Jag....and you know how much I love MINIs
How's the F57 going? I'm beginning to think everyone just wants to see me break down CS Garth said:
A fine choice.
Having chosen the car you need to now carefully think about attire. I'd recommend a roll neck in soft beige, slacks and Harris tweed sportsjacket. Insist on changing into your house shoes at every hotel. Smoke cigars heavily at all junctures. Bonus points for a "sex the breakfast of champions" bumper sticker.
Enjoy!
With this being the "Yuppy" special version of the XJS, I was thinking more belts & braces, fliofaxes, executive mobiles phones and falling through bars whilst very drunk Having chosen the car you need to now carefully think about attire. I'd recommend a roll neck in soft beige, slacks and Harris tweed sportsjacket. Insist on changing into your house shoes at every hotel. Smoke cigars heavily at all junctures. Bonus points for a "sex the breakfast of champions" bumper sticker.
Enjoy!
aeropilot said:
factored in the extra day needed for the trip to account for all the fuel stops required
I'll need to stop less in the Jaguar than I would in the MINI, an even bigger bonus 
The Jaguar holds 20 gallons, the MINI just over 11, the Jaguar will return around 20-22mpg at an 80-85mph cruise, the MINI around 30-32 at best. 440 miles vs. 352 miles austinsmirk said:
Jag, theres nothing special about a mini or memorable. You're never going to look back in 20 years and have warm thoughts about driving a mini.
My story with MINI goes back a long way. It's a special car to me (means a lot more to be than the XJR-S) and does hold many fond memories. I've covered 100k+ in them over the years and wouldn't be without one now. In this instance I'm just extremely fortunate to be in the position where I can chose between 2 great cars OP, have you seen Harry's trip through the R Napoleon in his XJS?
fwiw, i really enjoyed my trip in the XJS through the swooping curves of Sussex countryside. the chassis (if sorted..) is very composed and quite rewarding if steered properly. Whereas the Mini can be chucked in with little thought or planning the Jag is a great experience when guided correctly and rewarding in a different way. Look forward to a trip report next year.
fwiw, i really enjoyed my trip in the XJS through the swooping curves of Sussex countryside. the chassis (if sorted..) is very composed and quite rewarding if steered properly. Whereas the Mini can be chucked in with little thought or planning the Jag is a great experience when guided correctly and rewarding in a different way. Look forward to a trip report next year.
CABC said:
OP, have you seen Harry's trip through the R Napoleon in his XJS?
fwiw, i really enjoyed my trip in the XJS through the swooping curves of Sussex countryside. the chassis (if sorted..) is very composed and quite rewarding if steered properly. Whereas the Mini can be chucked in with little thought or planning the Jag is a great experience when guided correctly and rewarding in a different way. Look forward to a trip report next year.
If anyone's interested I linked the YT vid of this in my reply above this onefwiw, i really enjoyed my trip in the XJS through the swooping curves of Sussex countryside. the chassis (if sorted..) is very composed and quite rewarding if steered properly. Whereas the Mini can be chucked in with little thought or planning the Jag is a great experience when guided correctly and rewarding in a different way. Look forward to a trip report next year.
TR4man said:
Jag for Gawd's sake.
This is PH not Mumsnet where all the yummy mummies would all be cooing over the sweet and cute Mini.
You shouldn't need to ask the question.
He's asked the question BECAUSE it's Pistonheads where real enthusiasts recognise the qualities inherent in two pretty cool cars, as opposed to regurgitating clichéd stereotypes...This is PH not Mumsnet where all the yummy mummies would all be cooing over the sweet and cute Mini.
You shouldn't need to ask the question.
You may well consider Supercharged Cooper S's as mumsy and cute...perhaps you should consider frequenting mumsnet more than here?
Quickmoose said:
TR4man said:
Jag for Gawd's sake.
This is PH not Mumsnet where all the yummy mummies would all be cooing over the sweet and cute Mini.
You shouldn't need to ask the question.
He's asked the question BECAUSE it's Pistonheads where real enthusiasts recognise the qualities inherent in two pretty cool cars, as opposed to regurgitating clichéd stereotypes...This is PH not Mumsnet where all the yummy mummies would all be cooing over the sweet and cute Mini.
You shouldn't need to ask the question.
You may well consider Supercharged Cooper S's as mumsy and cute...perhaps you should consider frequenting mumsnet more than here?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIMQGk4xQqM
Harrys Garage..... he's done it and vlogged the joruney.... how can you not want to after watching this.
Harrys Garage..... he's done it and vlogged the joruney.... how can you not want to after watching this.
TR4man said:
Quickmoose said:
TR4man said:
Jag for Gawd's sake.
This is PH not Mumsnet where all the yummy mummies would all be cooing over the sweet and cute Mini.
You shouldn't need to ask the question.
He's asked the question BECAUSE it's Pistonheads where real enthusiasts recognise the qualities inherent in two pretty cool cars, as opposed to regurgitating clichéd stereotypes...This is PH not Mumsnet where all the yummy mummies would all be cooing over the sweet and cute Mini.
You shouldn't need to ask the question.
You may well consider Supercharged Cooper S's as mumsy and cute...perhaps you should consider frequenting mumsnet more than here?
How this is even a topic is beyond me. Taking the Jag will transform this trip from a journey into an epic event. It wouldn't look out of place parked in Casino Square, to be even considering taking a Mini when you have an XJS as an option makes me sad, and no doubt makes the OP's dad a bit sad inside too.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff