1997 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan X-Trail is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan X-Trail (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan X-Trail should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan X-Trail weights approximately 358 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 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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, 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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, 2008 Nissan X-Trail (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan X-Trail 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 X-Trail | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
