1997 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 11 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, 2008 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 23 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
