2006 Ford Escape vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2006 Ford Escape is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2006 Ford Escape. (155 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Escape weights approximately 325 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2006 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Escape. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Escape | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escape | Contour |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
