1997 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Renault Rodeo
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault Rodeo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault Rodeo would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 Renault Rodeo. (35 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault Rodeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 522 kg more than 1981 Renault Rodeo. 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 (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault Rodeo. (75 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault Rodeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1981 Renault Rodeo | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Contour | Rodeo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 75 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
