1996 Ford Contour vs. 1995 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Volkswagen Parati. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Volkswagen Parati would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Parati. (91 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Parati. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 267 kg more than 1995 Volkswagen Parati. 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 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volkswagen Parati. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volkswagen Parati.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1995 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Parati |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
