1997 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 8 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2005 Lotus Exige. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (237 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
