1997 Ford Contour vs. 2003 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2003 Mazda Tribute 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 (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Tribute. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 35 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2003 Mazda Tribute 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 Mazda Tribute 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Tribute. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Tribute.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2003 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Contour | Tribute |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
