1997 Ford Contour vs. 2010 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2010 Subaru Impreza is newer by 13 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, 2010 Subaru Impreza (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 50 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 2010 Subaru Impreza is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Subaru Impreza 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, 2010 Subaru Impreza (330 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2010 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2010 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Contour | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
