1994 Ford Contour vs. 1998 Jaguar XJ8
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1994 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 548 kg more than 1994 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Jaguar XJ8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Contour | XJ8 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |
