1999 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2005 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 92 kg more than 2005 Jensen SV-8.
Because 2005 Jensen SV-8 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 2005 Jensen SV-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2005 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2005 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2005 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jensen |
| Model | Contour | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
