1998 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 353 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe (248 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Contour | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1058 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 75 L |
