1997 Ford Contour vs. 1987 Renault 4
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Renault 4 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 134 more horse power than 1987 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1987 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 619 kg more than 1987 Renault 4. 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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault 4. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1987 Renault 4 has manual transmission. 1987 Renault 4 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:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1987 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Contour | 4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
