1997 Citroen XM vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Citroen XM is newer by 1 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen XM weights approximately 38 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour.
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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen XM. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen XM | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | XM | Contour |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
