1996 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Cadillac BLS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac BLS is newer by 13 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, 2009 Cadillac BLS (179 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac BLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac BLS weights approximately 358 kg more than 1996 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, 2009 Cadillac BLS (400 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac BLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2009 Cadillac BLS | |
| Make | Ford | Cadillac |
| Model | Contour | BLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
