1997 Ford Contour vs. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Microbus 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 2,553 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 270 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2002 Volkswagen Microbus 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 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. 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 (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2002 Volkswagen Microbus | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Contour | Microbus |
Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2553 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1660 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1960 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |