1997 Ford Contour vs. 1984 Rover 3500
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Rover 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Rover 3500 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1984 Rover 3500. (187 HP @ 5280 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1984 Rover 3500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Rover 3500 weights approximately 41 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1984 Rover 3500 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 1984 Rover 3500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1984 Rover 3500 (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1984 Rover 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1984 Rover 3500 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Rover 3500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1984 Rover 3500 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Contour | 3500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5280 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |
