1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 518 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.
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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1996 Buick Park Avenue has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Park Avenue | Contour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |
