1997 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Maxima is newer by 11 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 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Maxima (255 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 184 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Nissan Maxima (342 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2008 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 342 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
