1997 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Nissan Quest
To start off, 2009 Nissan Quest 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 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Quest is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Quest (235 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Quest should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Quest weights approximately 312 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, 2009 Nissan Quest (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Quest will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2009 Nissan Quest has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Quest will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2009 Nissan Quest | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Quest |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3160 mm |
