1996 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 15 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (380 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1087 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.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (576 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 2329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2893 mm |
