1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 1999 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Ford Contour is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1999 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ferrari F355 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Ferrari F355. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (175 Nm). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour. 1999 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1997 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1997 Ferrari F355 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 1999 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | F355 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
