1997 Ford Contour vs. 1996 Ford Scorpio
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Scorpio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Scorpio 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 (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Ford Scorpio. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Scorpio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Scorpio weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1996 Ford Scorpio 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 1996 Ford Scorpio. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Scorpio. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Scorpio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1996 Ford Scorpio | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Scorpio |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
