1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight 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 70 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 68 kg more than 2012 Honda Insight. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Contour | Insight |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
