1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 15 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (300 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 386 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (433 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
Model | Contour | Colorado |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5300 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 433 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1650 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3210 mm |