1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Hyundai Tucson
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Tucson 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Tucson (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Tucson should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Tucson weights approximately 295 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 Hyundai Tucson 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, 2006 Hyundai Tucson 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, 2006 Hyundai Tucson (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Tucson will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Contour | Tucson |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
