1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema 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 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (465 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 738 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 Lancia Thema 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 Lancia Thema. 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 Lancia Thema (630 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2012 Lancia Thema 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 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
Make | Ford | Lancia |
Model | Contour | Thema |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1987 cc | 6400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 465 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 630 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1980 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5088 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1885 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1478 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3053 mm |