1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Morgan Plus 8
To start off, 2006 Morgan Plus 8 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Morgan Plus 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Morgan Plus 8 (187 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Morgan Plus 8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 132 kg more than 2006 Morgan Plus 8.
Because 2006 Morgan Plus 8 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 2006 Morgan Plus 8. 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, 2006 Morgan Plus 8 (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Morgan Plus 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Morgan Plus 8 | |
| Make | Ford | Morgan |
| Model | Contour | Plus 8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
