1997 Ford Contour vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 718 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2013 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2790 mm |
