1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1262 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 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban. 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 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Chevrolet Suburban | |
Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
Model | Contour | Suburban |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5300 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 320 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 454 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2652 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5649 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2009 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1951 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3302 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 117 L |