1996 Ford Contour vs. 2013 Acura RDX
To start off, 2013 Acura RDX is newer by 17 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Acura RDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Acura RDX (240 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Acura RDX should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Acura RDX weights approximately 507 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 2013 Acura RDX is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Acura RDX 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, 2013 Acura RDX (340 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Acura RDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2013 Acura RDX | |
| Make | Ford | Acura |
| Model | Contour | RDX |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1749 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1678 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2685 mm |
