1998 Ford Contour vs. 2012 Chrysler 300
To start off, 2012 Chrysler 300 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chrysler 300 (363 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chrysler 300 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 Chrysler 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Chrysler 300 (534 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2012 Chrysler 300 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 2012 Chrysler 300 | |
Make | Ford | Chrysler |
Model | Contour | 300 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 128 HP | 363 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 534 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 | 1962 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5044 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1905 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1491 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3053 mm |