1997 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Volkswagen Multivan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan 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 2,460 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Multivan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Multivan weights approximately 65 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 Volkswagen Multivan 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 Volkswagen Multivan 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 Volkswagen Multivan (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Multivan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2005 Volkswagen Multivan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Multivan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
