1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2006 Kia Sorento 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sorento. (192 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sorento weights approximately 610 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2006 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento (294 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Contour | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
