2009 Ford E-350 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Ford E-350 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 276 kg more than 2009 Ford E-350.
Because 2009 Ford E-350 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 2009 Ford E-350. 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, 2009 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2009 Ford E-350 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 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford E-350 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | E-350 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 15 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2140 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2710 mm |
