1997 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 2009 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 12 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Park Avenue (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 649 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.
Because 2009 Buick Park Avenue is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Buick Park Avenue. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Buick Park Avenue (265 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2009 Buick Park Avenue 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. 2009 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2009 Buick Park Avenue | |
Make | Ford | Buick |
Model | Contour | Park Avenue |
Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2792 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 265 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1891 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5175 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1899 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3009 mm |