1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 GMC Yukon
To start off, 2012 GMC Yukon 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 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Yukon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Yukon (332 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Yukon should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Yukon weights approximately 1352 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 GMC Yukon 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 GMC Yukon. 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 GMC Yukon (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Yukon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2012 GMC Yukon | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Contour | Yukon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 2666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2946 mm |
