1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 307 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 Silverado 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 Silverado. 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 Silverado (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
Model | Contour | Silverado |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 295 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 414 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1549 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 6340 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1880 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 4010 mm |