2001 Bentley Continental vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 2001 Bentley Continental is newer by 4 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 6,746 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Bentley Continental (421 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (200 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1060 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 2001 Bentley Continental 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 Bentley Continental. 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, 2001 Bentley Continental (875 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 644 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2001 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 2001 Bentley Continental has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Bentley Continental | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Bentley | Ford |
| Model | Continental | Contour |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6746 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 421 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 875 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2450 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
