1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Kia Borrego

To start off, 2011 Kia Borrego is newer by 14 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 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Kia Borrego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Borrego (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Borrego should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Borrego weights approximately 48 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 2011 Kia Borrego is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Kia Borrego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Kia Borrego (362 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Borrego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2011 Kia Borrego 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. 2011 Kia Borrego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1997 Ford Contour 2011 Kia Borrego
Make Ford Kia
Model Contour Borrego
Year Released 1997 2011
Body Type Sedan SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1987 cc 3778 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 135 HP 276 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 180 Nm 362 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4400 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 7 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1242 kg 1290 kg
Vehicle Length 4680 mm 4890 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1920 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1820 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2900 mm