1983 Dodge Charger vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Dodge Charger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Dodge Charger would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1983 Dodge Charger. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1983 Dodge Charger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 340 kg more than 1983 Dodge Charger. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Dodge Charger. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Dodge Charger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Charger | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Contour |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5220 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
