1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Tata Nano
To start off, 2011 Tata Nano 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 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2011 Tata Nano. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2011 Tata Nano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 642 kg more than 2011 Tata Nano. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Tata Nano 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 Tata Nano. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Tata Nano. (48 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Tata Nano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Tata Nano | |
| Make | Ford | Tata |
| Model | Contour | Nano |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 624 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 48 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3099 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1495 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1652 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2230 mm |
