1997 Ford Contour vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Contour would be higher. 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 109 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 160 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Contour | Beetle |
Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 91 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 202 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |