Ford Contour 2.5 i V6 24V SVT (197 Hp)
Overall Rating
Ford Contour:
The Ford Mondeo I is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Ford, beginning on 23 November 1992, with sales beginning on 22 March 1993. It is also known as the Mk I Mondeo; the 1996 facelift versions are usually designated Mk II. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk.
Intended as a world car, it replaced the Ford Sierra in Europe, the Ford Telstar in a large portion of Asia and other markets, while the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz in North America. Despite being billed as a world car, the only external items the Mondeo shared initially with the Contour were the windscreen, front windows, front mirrors and door handles. Thus, the CDW27 project turned out not to be a true world car in the sense that the original Ford Focus and newer Fords developed under the "One Ford" policy turned out to be. The first generation Mondeo was replaced in 2000, by the larger second generation; in the United States and Canada, the Contour/Mystique were replaced initially by the Focus and later the Fusion....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Contour Overview:
Ford Contour (Contour). With 265 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1400 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.1 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Ford Contour (Mondeo in Europe) received a 2.5-star rating out of a maximum of 4 stars in its 1997 Euro NCAP test, indicating average adult occupant protection for its time, with concerns noted for chest and leg protection.
2.5 i V6 24V SVT (197 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most potent engine, offering significantly enhanced acceleration and a genuinely sporty driving experience for enthusiasts.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption due to its performance tuning and the spirited driving style it encourages.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics, especially with V6 engines.
- • SVT model offers genuine sport sedan performance.
- • Comfortable interior for its class.
- • Good value on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Rear seat legroom is tight.
- • Some common reliability issues (e.g., automatic transmission, cooling system).
- • Interior quality can feel dated compared to rivals.
- • Fuel economy can be mediocre with V6 engines.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Contour: 1996 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Contour |
| Generation: | Contour |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 i V6 24V SVT (197 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 197 Hp @ 6625 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 77.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 265 Nm @ 5625 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Duratec [Same engine] More details about the engine Duratec |
| Engine displacement: | 2544 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.4 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 140.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 189.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 395 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4670 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Width: | 1755 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1385 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2710 mm mm [6mm more] |
| Front track: | 1500 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1500 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 ZR 16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |






















The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Ford Contour!