1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Ford C-Max
To start off, 2012 Ford C-Max 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 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2012 Ford C-Max. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford C-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford C-Max weights approximately 61 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, 2012 Ford C-Max (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Ford C-Max 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 Ford C-Max has manual transmission. 2012 Ford C-Max 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 Ford C-Max | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | C-Max |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1828 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1626 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2648 mm |
