2002 Buick LeSabre vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2002 Buick LeSabre is newer by 4 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Buick LeSabre (206 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (195 HP @ 6625 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 206 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Buick LeSabre (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 2002 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 2002 Buick LeSabre 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. 2002 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Buick LeSabre | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Contour |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 206 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
