1997 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender 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 2,494 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 1950 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 875 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender 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 Land Rover Defender 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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2005 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Contour | Defender |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2117 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 2040 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3230 mm |
