1996 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2005 Nissan Frontier is newer by 9 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Frontier (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 144 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Nissan Frontier 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, 2005 Nissan Frontier 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, 2005 Nissan Frontier (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2005 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
