2000 Cadillac XLR vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Cadillac XLR is newer by 3 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Cadillac XLR (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 340 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 2000 Cadillac XLR 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 2000 Cadillac XLR. 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, 2000 Cadillac XLR (428 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2000 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Cadillac XLR | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | XLR | Contour |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 428 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
