1998 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XK is newer by 11 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 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jaguar XK (254 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jaguar XK weights approximately 311 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 2009 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 2009 Jaguar XK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2009 Jaguar XK (353 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2009 Jaguar XK 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. 2009 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2009 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Contour | XK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 71 L |
