1997 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2004 Toyota Highlander 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 3,310 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Highlander (230 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 543 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 2004 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander (329 Nm) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm). This means 2004 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2004 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3310 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
