1997 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Toyota Altezza
To start off, 2001 Toyota Altezza 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 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Altezza. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Altezza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 4 kg more than 2001 Toyota Altezza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Toyota Altezza 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 Toyota Altezza. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Altezza. (200 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Altezza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2001 Toyota Altezza | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | Altezza |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
