1997 Ford Contour vs. 2007 Renault Espace
To start off, 2007 Renault Espace is newer by 10 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2007 Renault Espace. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2007 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Renault Espace weights approximately 456 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 2007 Renault Espace (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2007 Renault Espace has manual transmission. 2007 Renault Espace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2007 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Contour | Espace |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
