1997 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 12 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 162 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Because 2009 Nissan Frontier 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier 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, 2009 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
