1997 Ford Contour vs. 2008 Volvo V50
To start off, 2008 Volvo V50 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 32 more horse power than 2008 Volvo V50. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo V50 weights approximately 72 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, 2008 Volvo V50 (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2008 Volvo V50 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. 2008 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2008 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Contour | V50 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
