1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 468 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 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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, 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Ford | Aston Martin |
| Model | Contour | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2604 mm |
