1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 4 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 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 355 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Contour | Thunderbird |
Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3933 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 249 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 388 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1745 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |