1998 Ford Contour vs. 1997 Toyota Previa
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Previa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Previa would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Previa. (132 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Previa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Previa weights approximately 209 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Previa. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Previa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1997 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Previa |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 75 L |
