1997 Ford Contour vs. 2007 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2007 Saturn Aura 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 3,598 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Saturn Aura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saturn Aura (252 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster 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 Saturn Aura (340 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2007 Saturn Aura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2007 Saturn Aura 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. 2007 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2007 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Contour | Aura |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
