1997 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 78 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (220 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Polo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
