1997 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 5 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 266 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Ford | Acura |
| Model | Contour | CL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
