1997 Ford Contour vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 382 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1772 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2919 mm |
