1997 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+
To start off, 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+ 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 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 75 more horse power than 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 309 kg more than 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+ 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, 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+ 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 (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+. (118 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+ has manual transmission. 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+ will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2004 Suzuki Wagon R+ | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Contour | Wagon R+ |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
