1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Chrysler 200
To start off, 2012 Chrysler 200 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 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 27 more horse power than 2012 Chrysler 200. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2012 Chrysler 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chrysler 200 weights approximately 153 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chrysler 200. (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chrysler 200. 2012 Chrysler 200 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 Chrysler 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Chrysler 200 | |
| Make | Ford | Chrysler |
| Model | Contour | 200 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4869 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2766 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
