1997 Ford Contour vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 168 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 186 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1996 Volvo 960 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 Volvo 960. 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 960 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 | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | 960 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
