1997 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 5 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 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 549 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Explorer 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, 2002 Ford Explorer 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
