1997 Ford Contour vs. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 10 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, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder (172 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 921 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 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2007 Nissan Pathfinder (403 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2007 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 2235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
