1998 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2009 Kia Sorento is newer by 11 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 2,495 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sorento (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 757 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 2009 Kia Sorento 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, 2009 Kia Sorento 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, 2009 Kia Sorento (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2009 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. 2009 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2009 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Contour | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1999 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
