1997 Ford Contour vs. 2003 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 6 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Kia Sorento. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 666 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2003 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2003 Kia Sorento will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2003 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Contour | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
