1998 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 10 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, 2008 Ford Focus (222 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 19 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
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, 2008 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2522 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 241 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 | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
