1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 3,786 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 200 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 243 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 Pontiac Grand Prix. 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 Pontiac Grand Prix (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
