1997 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Suzuki Baleno
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Baleno 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, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 472 kg more than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Suzuki Baleno. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Suzuki Baleno.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2005 Suzuki Baleno | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Contour | Baleno |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 918 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
