1997 Ford Contour vs. 2013 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2013 Kia Sorento is newer by 16 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2013 Kia Sorento. (188 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2013 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Sorento weights approximately 309 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2013 Kia Sorento is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Kia Sorento 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, 2013 Kia Sorento (245 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2013 Kia Sorento 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. 2013 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2013 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Contour | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1699 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1745 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
