1997 Ford Contour vs. 2007 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2007 Toyota RAV4 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2007 Toyota RAV4. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2007 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2007 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota RAV4 (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2007 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Contour | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 82.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2290 mm |
