1997 Ford Contour vs. 1960 Jensen 541
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1960 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1960 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Jensen 541 weights approximately 104 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1960 Jensen 541 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 1960 Jensen 541. 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, 1960 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1960 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1960 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | Ford | Jensen |
| Model | Contour | 541 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
