1998 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 8 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 @ 6625 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (137 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 304 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
