Originally posted by DconNavi:
or get the 4x4 tranny, engine, and drivetrain off the Escape and bolt it up!
The 5-speed Escape uses a derivative of the Mazda G family of transmission, not a varient of the MTX75. So, it wouldn't be a ready bolt up (but I guess nothing about the conversion would be). The 5-speed Jag, though, does have a MTX75 varient. It seems funny that there are 2 vehicles with the same basic engine, both with AWD, and the systems are completely different.
Anyway, the Escape AWD is really on-demand 4WD, being primarily FWD with a coupling to engage the rear end if wheel spin occurs. The Jag is proper full-time AWD, with all the wheels driven all the time (like an Audi sedan or my 323GTX). The Jag also has a viscous unit on the center diff. IMHO, its a much better AWD system then the Escape...
I can say, though, that driving an X-type isn't
that impressive. We have a 3.0L A/T one as a test car here at work. It handles sort of like a Contour, with an extra 600 pounds thrown on, at least under normal driving conditions. I'd imagine the at-the-limit handling would be a bit different with 60% of the torque going to the rear... Oh, and the "J" gate shifter is a pain...
