1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 300 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
Because 2011 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige. 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 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Exige |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 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 | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
