1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Infiniti EX
To start off, 2012 Infiniti EX 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 Infiniti EX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Infiniti EX (297 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Infiniti EX should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Infiniti EX weights approximately 325 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 Infiniti EX 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 Infiniti EX. 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 Infiniti EX (343 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Infiniti EX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2012 Infiniti EX 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 Infiniti EX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Infiniti EX | |
| Make | Ford | Infiniti |
| Model | Contour | EX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| 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 | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1572 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2799 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
