1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2011 Subaru Legacy 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Legacy (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 2011 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (349 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Contour | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4735 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1506 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
