1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Honda Ridgeline
To start off, 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Ridgeline (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 49 kg more than 2011 Honda Ridgeline.
Because 2011 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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 Honda Ridgeline (335 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2011 Honda Ridgeline 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 Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Honda Ridgeline | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Ridgeline |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1193 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3110 mm |
