1996 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 10 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 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 443 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 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Contour | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
