1997 Ford Contour vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander 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 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (268 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 35 kg more than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
