1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 613 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2001 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, 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Contour | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
