1996 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 162 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Escort | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Escort | Contour |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 131 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 172 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |