1999 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1999 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 192 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 2001 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Contour | W12 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
