How much horsepower does a 1998 Ford Contour have?
The 1998 Contour offered two engines: a 2.0-liter Zetec inline-four with about 125 horsepower and a 2.5-liter Duratec V6 with about 170 horsepower. The rest of this article explains the options and what that means for performance.
Engine options and horsepower
The Contour's power came from two engines available in 1998. The following breakdown covers output and typical transmissions for each powerplant.
- 2.0-liter Zetec inline-four — about 125 horsepower (≈93 kW) and roughly 140 lb-ft of torque. Often paired with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
- 2.5-liter Duratec V6 — about 170 horsepower (≈127 kW) and around 165 lb-ft of torque. Typically paired with a four-speed automatic; manual options were uncommon or unavailable on many trims.
In summary, horsepower for the 1998 Contour ranged from 125 hp on the four-cylinder base to 170 hp on the V6 option, with relative performance differences driven by engine and transmission pairing.
Performance and ownership considerations
How the numbers translated into everyday driving depended on the configuration. The V6-equipped Contour delivered stronger acceleration and highway oomph, while the four-cylinder version emphasized efficiency and lighter weight. Maintenance considerations varied by engine, including spark plugs, timing chains/belts, and fluids as outlined in the owner's manual.
Fuel economy and maintenance
Reviewing maintenance records and owner reports can help a prospective buyer gauge wear on a used Contour. Routine checks and service history for the Zetec or Duratec engines can influence long-term reliability and ownership costs.
Summary: The 1998 Contour's horsepower options were 125 hp for the 2.0L Zetec and 170 hp for the 2.5L Duratec V6; engine choice defined acceleration and efficiency, with both configurations reflecting the era's mid-size sedan design.
How much horsepower does a 1998 Ford Contour SVT have?
195 hp @ 6,625
Is the Ford Contour a sporty car?
Beginning in 1997, Ford unveiled its then-newest sporty sedan. It was called the Contour SVT, and it boasted a slew of high-performance tuning along with a special V6 engine hidden underneath its hood. The best part? It's now dirt cheap.
What engine does a Ford Contour have?
The Contour comes in two flavors, the entry-level LX and the performance-biased SE. Both come standard with Ford's free revving Zetec four-cylinder engine and both can be had with the more powerful Duratec V6. We are big fans of this SOHC Duratec engine, which makes 170 horsepower.
Is the 1998 Ford Contour reliable?
Among the 419 owners who provided feedback on the 1998 Ford Contour for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 75% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and reliability to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest.
