2000 Ford Contour vs. 1997 Lexus GS
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus GS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lexus GS (205 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (201 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus GS weights approximately 304 kg more than 2000 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lexus GS 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 1997 Lexus GS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1997 Lexus GS (275 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Contour. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Contour. 1997 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 2000 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 2000 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Contour | 1997 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Contour | GS |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1418 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2810 mm |
