1997 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Rover 45
To start off, 2004 Rover 45 is newer by 7 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 Rover 45. (102 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2004 Rover 45. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 12 kg more than 2004 Rover 45. 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, 2004 Rover 45 (241 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2004 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Contour | 45 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
