1997 Ford Contour vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 54 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 15 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1299 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
