Defining the difference between a sports car and a sporting car

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2007 Jaguar XK – Ride and Handling

Handling
The Jaguar XK’s wheelbase is too long and its track is too wide for it to be considered a true sports car. Rather, this is a grand touring machine with impressive grip and roll control, isolated enough from the road to maintain its compliant composure and connected enough to entertain most owners. The brakes are incredible, and coat the rims with a likewise amount of gray dust. Traditionally fluidic and disconnected Jaguar steering feel is not appropriate for the XK’s sporting nature, especially with massive 255/35ZR20 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx front tires tugging at road imperfections.

Fun to Drive

Indeed, the Jaguar XK is fun to drive, as long as you’re not trying to hustle it at maximum velocity down a favorite mountain road. Negotiating hairpin turns is not the Jaguar’s forte. The car is quick, displays an intoxicating exhaust note, and is equipped with an outstanding braking system. The ride is compliant enough for pock-marked urban streets and firm enough to control body motions when thundering around sweeping curves. Plus, the Jag turns everybody’s head, so if you get a kick out of being the center of attention, it’s hard to go wrong with this car.