1997 Ford Contour vs. 1959 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,781 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar XK (265 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar XK weights approximately 83 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Jaguar XK 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 1959 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1959 Jaguar XK (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1959 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Contour | XK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
