1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 231 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2000 Ford Contour (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cavalier | Contour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1418 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 54 L |
