1997 Ford Contour vs. 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 3 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 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (93 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 8 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Contour | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2210 mm |
