1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 McLaren F1
To start off, 2001 McLaren F1 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 418 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 220 kg more than 2001 McLaren F1.
Because 2001 McLaren F1 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 McLaren F1. 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 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2001 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2001 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Ford | McLaren |
| Model | Contour | F1 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
