2010 Kia Soul vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 12 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Soul (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Soul weights approximately 28 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2010 Kia Soul (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1998 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2010 Kia Soul has manual transmission. 2010 Kia Soul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Kia Soul | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Kia | Ford |
| Model | Soul | Contour |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4105 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
