1998 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 2008 Jeep Cherokee is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Cherokee (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 587 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Cherokee will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Jeep Cherokee (307 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2008 Jeep Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Jeep Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2008 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Contour | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 307 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1829 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
