1996 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Honda Life
To start off, 2001 Honda Life is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour 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 82 more horse power than 2001 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 452 kg more than 2001 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2001 Honda Life | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Life |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
