1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Ford Territory
To start off, 2006 Ford Territory is newer by 9 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 3,983 cc, 2006 Ford Territory is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Territory (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Territory should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Territory weights approximately 473 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 2006 Ford Territory is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Ford Territory. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Ford Territory (380 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Territory will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2006 Ford Territory 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. 2006 Ford Territory will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Ford Territory | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Territory |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3983 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
