1997 Ford Contour vs. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 2,382 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice weights approximately 87 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 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2009 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
