1998 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee (305 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 567 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee (453 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2009 Jeep Grand 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. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Contour | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1978 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
