1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 14 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, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Forester. (170 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 86 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Contour | Forester |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
