1998 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1466 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2009 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Contour | Defender |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
