1997 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2004 Nissan X-Trail is newer by 7 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 23 more horse power than 2004 Nissan X-Trail. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan X-Trail. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan X-Trail weights approximately 452 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2004 Nissan X-Trail 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, 2004 Nissan X-Trail 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, 2004 Nissan X-Trail (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2004 Nissan X-Trail will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2004 Nissan X-Trail has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Nissan X-Trail will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2004 Nissan X-Trail | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1842 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
