1997 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2005 Kia Sportage is newer by 8 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 74 more horse power than 2005 Kia Sportage. (126 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Sportage weights approximately 152 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2005 Kia Sportage 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, 2005 Kia Sportage 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2005 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Contour | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| 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 | 1542 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
