1997 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2005 Jaguar XJ is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,720 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jaguar XJ (204 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 417 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 2005 Jaguar XJ 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 2005 Jaguar XJ. 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, 2005 Jaguar XJ (435 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2005 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2005 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Contour | XJ |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1659 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3040 mm |
