1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Porsche 911
To start off, 2011 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche 911 (408 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche 911 weights approximately 178 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Contour | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
