1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Honda Accord
To start off, 2011 Honda Accord 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Accord (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Honda Accord weights approximately 202 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Honda Accord (219 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2011 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Accord |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1444 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4851 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2741 mm |
