1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Lexus GS
To start off, 2006 Lexus GS is newer by 9 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus GS (245 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Lexus GS weights approximately 185 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 2006 Lexus GS 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, 2006 Lexus GS 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, 2006 Lexus GS (313 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2006 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Contour | GS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 71 L |
