1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante (310 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 424 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Ford |
| Model | V8 Volante | Contour |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 55 L |
