1997 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Chevrolet S-10
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet S-10 is newer by 2 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 82 more horse power than 1999 Chevrolet S-10. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 Chevrolet S-10. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet S-10 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1999 Chevrolet S-10 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet S-10 will offer significantly more control. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Chevrolet S-10. (190 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Chevrolet S-10. 1999 Chevrolet S-10 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. 1999 Chevrolet S-10 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1999 Chevrolet S-10 | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Contour | S-10 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3130 mm |
