1997 Ford Contour vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette (163 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 478 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. 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, 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
Model | Contour | Silhouette |
Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3135 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1720 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |