2009 Ford F-350 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2009 Ford F-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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford F-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford F-350 (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-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 F-350.
Because 2009 Ford F-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 F-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 F-350 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford F-350 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | F-350 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5770 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2710 mm |
