1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Acura RL
To start off, 2011 Acura RL is newer by 14 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Acura RL (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Acura RL weights approximately 538 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 2011 Acura RL 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, 2011 Acura RL 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, 2011 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Acura RL | |
Make | Ford | Acura |
Model | Contour | RL |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 367 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1852 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4971 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1847 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1453 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2799 mm |