1997 Ford Contour vs. 1997 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, both 1997 Ford Contour and 1997 Volkswagen Parati 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 (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Parati. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Parati.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1997 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Parati |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
