1997 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Lincoln LS
To start off, 1999 Lincoln LS 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 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lincoln LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lincoln LS (249 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lincoln LS should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lincoln LS weights approximately 468 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Lincoln LS is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Lincoln LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Lincoln LS (361 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Lincoln LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1999 Lincoln LS 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 Lincoln LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1999 Lincoln LS | |
| Make | Ford | Lincoln |
| Model | Contour | LS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
