1997 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Legacy (250 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 136 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.
Because 2005 Subaru Legacy 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy (340 Nm) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2005 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Contour | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1526 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
