1998 Ford Contour vs. 2003 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2003 Nissan X-Trail is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan X-Trail is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Nissan X-Trail. (112 HP @ 2000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan X-Trail. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan X-Trail weights approximately 358 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 2003 Nissan X-Trail is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan X-Trail 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, 2003 Nissan X-Trail (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan X-Trail will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2003 Nissan X-Trail | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1600 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2540 mm |
