1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Honda Civic
To start off, 2001 Honda Civic 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (183 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 274 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic.
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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (160 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2001 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2001 Honda Civic 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 | 2001 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
