1998 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 11 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
