1997 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Ford Laser
To start off, 1999 Ford Laser 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 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1999 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 199 kg more than 1999 Ford Laser. 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Laser. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Laser. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Laser 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 | 1999 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Laser |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
