1997 Ford Contour vs. 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero. (83 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 210 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero. (201 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1983 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Contour | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2476 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
