1998 Dodge Ram vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Dodge Ram 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 3,906 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Dodge Ram. (173 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1998 Dodge Ram. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 680 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Ram (305 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Ram | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Ram | Contour |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3906 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2710 mm |
