1998 Ford Contour vs. 2010 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2010 Jaguar XK is newer by 12 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Jaguar XK (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Jaguar XK weights approximately 454 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 2010 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 2010 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, 2010 Jaguar XK (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2010 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. 2010 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2010 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Contour | XK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4793 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1328 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2751 mm |
