1998 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy is newer by 7 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP) has 32 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (163 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 11 kg more than 2005 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Subaru Legacy 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy (226 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2005 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2005 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Contour | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 163 HP |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1400 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
