1998 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 2008 Nissan Patrol 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 2,953 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Patrol (156 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Patrol should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 1113 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.
Because 2008 Nissan Patrol is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Nissan Patrol. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Nissan Patrol (380 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Patrol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2008 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2980 mm |
