1997 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 370 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 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. 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 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Contour | IS |
| 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 | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| 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 | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
