1996 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (247 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 689 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 1996 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (455 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Suburban | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Contour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3350 mm | 2730 mm |
