1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Ford Fusion
To start off, 2012 Ford Fusion 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fusion (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fusion weights approximately 239 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.
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 Fusion (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2012 Ford Fusion 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 Ford Fusion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Ford Fusion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Contour | Fusion |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1629 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |
