1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Jimny 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, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Jimny. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 365 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Jimny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Jimny 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 Suzuki Jimny 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 (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Jimny. (106 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Jimny. 2001 Suzuki Jimny 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 Suzuki Jimny will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2001 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Contour | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
