1998 Chevrolet Express vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Express is newer by 1 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Express (197 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1088 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 1998 Chevrolet Express 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 1998 Chevrolet Express. 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, 1998 Chevrolet Express (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1998 Chevrolet Express 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. 1998 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Express | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Express | Contour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2710 mm |
