1996 Ford Contour vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Montero is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,477 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Montero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Montero weights approximately 688 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
Because 2003 Mitsubishi Montero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Montero 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Montero (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Montero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2003 Mitsubishi Montero | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Contour | Montero |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
