1997 Ford Contour vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1997 Ford Contour and 1997 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 20 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 1 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (205 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
