1997 Ford Contour vs. 1996 Honda Step Wagon
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Step Wagon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Step Wagon would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Step Wagon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 208 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1996 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Honda Step Wagon (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Step Wagon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1996 Honda Step Wagon | |
Make | Ford | Honda |
Model | Contour | Step Wagon |
Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1972 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4610 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1840 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |