1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2001 Subaru Impreza 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2001 Subaru Impreza. (94 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 77 kg more than 2001 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Subaru Impreza 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, 2001 Subaru Impreza 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 (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Subaru Impreza. (143 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2001 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Contour | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
