1998 Ford Contour vs. 2007 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2007 Kia Sorento is newer by 9 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Sorento (262 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sorento weights approximately 676 kg more than 1998 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, 2007 Kia Sorento (354 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2007 Kia Sorento 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. 2007 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2007 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Contour | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 2087 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
