1996 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Nissan Murano
To start off, 2008 Nissan Murano is newer by 12 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Murano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Murano (231 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Murano should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Murano weights approximately 628 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 2008 Nissan Murano 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, 2008 Nissan Murano 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, 2008 Nissan Murano (319 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Murano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2008 Nissan Murano | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Murano |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
