1997 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Suzuki SX4
To start off, 2008 Suzuki SX4 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2008 Suzuki SX4. (118 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 Suzuki SX4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Suzuki SX4 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2008 Suzuki SX4 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, 2008 Suzuki SX4 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, 2008 Suzuki SX4 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2008 Suzuki SX4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2008 Suzuki SX4 | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Contour | SX4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
